By allowing the powers to do their absolute worst to Him—to persecute, torture, and kill Him—and then rising again, He exposed them as being powerless. “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Col 2:15)
As we actively cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, we find ourselves increasingly capable of a deeper, more meaningful love for God and others, a love that transforms our lives and relationships.
In its original meaning, righteousness meant a right relationship with the covenant of God that led to loving others as oneself and doing good in order to lead others into the same right relationship with God.