There are two aspects of righteousness.
The first aspect of righteousness is being in right standing with God.
The scripture is abundantly clear that we cannot obtain this righteousness of our own accord. Isaiah 65:6 “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags”; and Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us”; and from Galatians 2:16 “for by works of the law shall no flesh be justified”.
If we can’t obtain this right standing with God by good works (living a good life, etc.), how then can we obtain it? Romans 3:22 “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe”.
The second aspect of righteousness the practice of doing right things. Not to gain or keep salvation, or so God will love us. Rather, it’s because we love God and we want to please Him.
“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness” 2 Timothy 2:22
“And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” Romans 6:13
Let’s actively pursue righteousness in our lives!