Righteousness, in its simplest form, means that which someone rightfully deserves. For instance, every human being has the right to live. No one has the right to take another person’s life based on their gender, physical appearance, mental state, or disability. As long as a person is human, they deserve the right to life. Another example: if someone has studied and completed a degree in medicine, we rightfully call them a doctor. They’ve earned that title through the appropriate qualifications. In the same way, in the spiritual realm, God also has His standards of righteousness. In the beginning, in order to be close to God and receive His blessings and favor, a person had to fully obey His Law. That is, they had to live a perfect life in line with all of God’s commandments. In return, they would receive His spiritual blessings. This is clearly outlined in Deuteronomy 28. However, unfortunately, no one was ever able to completely fulfill all of God’s commandments. Human beings have consistently fallen short of God’s perfect standard. The Bible says: “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” — Psalm 14:3, NIV Because of this, no one could rightfully claim righteousness before God through their own deeds. Everyone was guilty of sin. In response to this, God created a new plan to save humanity. He made a way for human beings to be declared righteous—not by keeping the Law—but through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the essence of the Gospel: that anyone who believes in Jesus receives God’s righteousness as a free gift, apart from the Law. “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” — Romans 3:21–24, NIV So now, when you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are counted as righteous before God—not because of your good works—but because of Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrifice on your behalf. You are made holy, you are accepted, and you can approach God with confidence. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16, NIV This is what we call “the righteousness that comes from God”—it is not earned by our effort but received by grace through faith in Christ. Through Jesus: We receive eternal life freely. We receive answers to our prayers freely. We are called saints and children of God. But the important question is: Have you believed in Jesus Christ?Remember, no human being can please God through their own works alone. Every person under the sun needs Jesus Christ. If you have not yet received His salvation, the door is still open for you today. Repent and turn to the Lord so that He may forgive your sins and make you a new creation.
Luke 15:8–9 (ESV) “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’” Introduction: A Parable of Great Significance Jesus often used parables—simple, everyday stories—to convey profound spiritual truths. The parable of the woman who lost one coin out of ten is no exception. While it primarily illustrates the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10), today we will also reflect on it through a practical and relational lens—especially as it relates to the responsibility and influence of women within their homes and communities. Why a Woman? Why the Home? It is no accident that Jesus chose a woman as the central figure of this parable. Unlike the previous parable of the lost sheep—where a shepherd leaves ninety-nine to find one—this story is set within the home. Biblically and culturally, the woman represents the heart and keeper of the home. Proverbs 14:1 (ESV) says: “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.” Here, the house is not just a building—it represents the family, the relationships, the environment, and the values that dwell within. This parable, then, is deeply symbolic of a woman’s calling to steward her household with wisdom and spiritual sensitivity. The Ten Coins: What Do They Represent? The ten silver coins in the parable could represent things of value entrusted to the woman: her children, her marriage, her relationships, her virtue, her peace, her faith, or even her influence in the lives of others. Losing one coin signifies a noticeable void—perhaps one child has gone astray, a relationship is fractured, or peace in the home has been disrupted. But notice this: she does not give up. She does not say, “I still have nine coins; one less won’t matter.” Instead, she begins a deliberate process to recover what was lost. Three Key Steps: A Blueprint for Restoration She Lights a LampThis is the first and most essential step. Before she could search for anything, she needed light. Spiritually, this means inviting Jesus—the Light of the World (John 8:12)—into our homes and lives. Without His light, we cannot see what is truly lost, or even recognize the mess around us. She Sweeps the HouseOnce the light reveals the condition of the home, the woman begins to clean. Spiritually, this speaks of repentance, cleansing, and reordering our priorities. Often, God won’t reveal the path to recovery until we’ve dealt with the disorder in our own hearts and homes. Just like the woman couldn’t find the coin among the dirt and clutter, we too may not be able to identify our spiritual loss without first addressing what’s spiritually out of place. She Searches DiligentlyAfter restoring order, she then searches with intention and determination. This is a picture of persistent prayer, loving pursuit, and faithful ministry. Whether it’s a wayward child, a struggling marriage, or a loss of spiritual fervor—once the home is lit and cleansed, the search for restoration becomes fruitful. The Celebration: Restoration is Worth Rejoicing Over When she finally finds the coin, she doesn’t keep it to herself—she gathers her friends and neighbors and shares her joy. This reflects the heart of God, who rejoices over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). Restoration, whether personal or familial, is a reason for communal joy and testimony. A Call to Women: Stand in Your God-Given Role This parable isn’t just about one woman’s diligence—it’s a call to all women to recognize the power and purpose they hold within their families. When a woman takes her spiritual role seriously—inviting Christ in, cleansing her home spiritually, and seeking restoration—she becomes an agent of transformation. A woman who stands firm in faith can hold a household together, mend broken relationships, and guide others toward the light of Christ. Too often, when problems arise—like rebellion in children, broken marriages, or disorder in the home—many look first to external solutions: therapists, traditional healers, or worldly advice. But true restoration begins by inviting the true Light into the home—Jesus Christ. From there, transformation flows. Conclusion: God Honors Diligence and Faith No matter what you’ve lost—whether it’s a child’s obedience, peace in your marriage, joy in your heart, or spiritual fire—God gives us a path to restoration. Invite His light, clean your spiritual house, and then seek diligently. Your efforts are not in vain. Like the woman in the parable, your perseverance will lead to joy, and your testimony will encourage others. Sister, mother, daughter—stand in your calling. If you stand, your household will stand.And when the lost is found, heaven will rejoice with you. God bless you.Shalom.