What does it mean to hunger for righteousness?

The Beatitudes are found in Matthew 5. The promised blessings come first to the poor in spirit, which means understanding that you depend on God. This leads to mourning over sin. Those who are poor in spirit and mourning over their sin will be meek, refusing to exalt themselves. If you are dependent on God, sorrowful over sin, and meek, then you will hunger for righteousness. There is a necessary order in Matthew 5. Seeking after righteousness includes:

1. Desire for Godliness:
   • Verse: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6 NKJV)
   • Explanation: To hunger after righteousness is to deeply desire the righteous deeds that come from salvation: the pursuit of mercy, purity, and peacemaking and the willingness to suffer persecution (Matthew 5:7 -9). You cannot be perfect, but you can seek integrity and moral uprightness as defined by Scripture. You will desire that God's righteousness prevail in your life and the world.
2. Repentance and Transformation:
   • Verse: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19 NKJV)
   • Explanation: A genuine hunger for righteousness begins with repentance and transformation. It means turning away from sin and seeking to be changed by God’s grace, allowing Him to renew your heart and mind.
3. Passion for God’s Word:
   • Verse: "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." (Psalm 119:9 NKJV)
   • Explanation: A hunger for righteousness includes a deep passion for God's Word, as it guides and transforms your life. Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture regularly helps you understand and live out God’s righteousness.
4. Pursuit of Holiness:
   • Verse: "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15 -16 NKJV)
   • Explanation: A hunger for righteousness involves striving to live a life of holiness and purity, reflecting God's character. It means pursuing a lifestyle that honors God and aligns with His moral teachings.
5. Yearning for Righteousness in the World:
   • Verse: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8 NKJV)
   • Explanation: A hunger for righteousness also includes a desire for biblical justice and mercy in the world. It means actively working to promote fairness, compassion, and righteousness in your community and beyond.