“But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” Hebrews‬ ‭1:8‬.

And is righteousness not the act of “doing the right thing”? And when it comes to the standard of doing the right thing, is it not written: “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice”? Proverbs 21:3.

For is “doing the right thing” not the “radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being”? Hebrews 1:3. Which is righteousness. Where righteousness is the outward and visible expression and accomplishment of His inward and invisible nature? Being a perfect righteousness, one entirely without blemish or spot or wrinkle? For does God not lead by perfect example and always do the right thing?

And is “doing the right thing” in season and out of season not the very basis of love? For does love not seek to do the right thing always? In every situation? In and out of season? For is it not written: “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else“? 1 Thessalonians 5:15. Which is a heart that has a plan only to prosper you? To give us a future? Not to harm you? Jeremiah 29:11.

And if righteousness is the very nature and essence of love — for it is the persuasion and inclination to always strive to do what is good for each other — then if we are called to “pursue love“, as we all are in 1 Thessalonians 1:14, are we not in fact then all being called to “pursue righteousness”?

For is love not inherently righteous? And if we are called to “seek first righteousness”, as we all are in Matthew 6:33, are we not in fact “seeking first love”? For is righteousness not inherently love? Which is to seek first the kingdom of God? Which is the kingdom of love? For does the infinite wisdom of above also not declare that if we pursue righteousness and love that we find life? And prosperity? And honour? “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honour”? Proverbs 21.21.

And when this wisdom tells us to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you”, Matthew 6:33, what are all these things that shall be added unto us? Are they not in fact the fruit of love and righteousness? Which is the fruit of the Spirit, namely love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Which are the fruit of “life and prosperity and honour”?

And is it not written that against such things there is no law? For is not the nature of love righteousness? Which is to always strive to do the right thing. And is there any law against love and righteousness? Which is why we are reminded and exhorted in this very specific way: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11.

For “The LORD loves the righteous”. Psalm 146:8. And are we not told that “the righteous will never be shaken”? And that “they will be remembered forever”? Psalm 112:26. Which is why God the Father says to God the Son: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” For what is His throne essentially a throne of? Is it not a throne of love? And what is a sceptre? Is it not a rod borne in the hand as an emblem of regal or imperial power? And why would the Father bestow unto His Son His throne and His authority? Is it not because He sees His own nature in His Son? Which is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His being? So He therefore trusts His Son to always do the right thing? Which is to do everything in love. Which is a kingdom of righteousness. Which is a kingdom of love.

And is this not why the LORD will likewise let us also sit on a throne besides Him? Because He sees His own nature in us, and He trusts His nature to always do the right thing. Which is to always do everything in love.

So is this not why we are all called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? So that as we add precept upon precept, and line upon line, here a little, there a little, according to Isaiah 28:10, we may take on the fullness of His divine nature. Which is the radiance and the nature of love. Which is the glory and nature of righteousness.

Therefore, it would behoove us to remember this great exhortation: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Philippians 4:18.

And in so doing, therefore “teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,”‭‭ Titus‬ ‭2:12‬.