“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

— Matthew 5:6

In many parts of the world, people have heard some variation of the saying “Food tastes better when you are hungry.” Can you think of a time when you were really hungry?

Our need for daily bread is a part of God’s design for us to draw closer to him, knowing that we depend on God for all our daily needs. But God doesn’t want us to stay hungry. He wants us to have the food, clothing, shelter, and opportunities we need in order to flourish, giving us life to the full (John 10:10).

There are many situations in our world, though, where hunger is a major problem, and where a lack of basic necessities is a result of injustice. So our Lord also urges us to “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” which aims for providing justice for all people. Where governments and communities seek to lead by doing what’s right, making laws that are just and equitable for everyone, there is a beginning of justice and righteousness. God’s principles for people living to­gether are honored.

To hunger and thirst for righteousness, desiring and longing for all peoples to live together in peace and with justice, where everyone can flourish (shalom), is God’s design for human living.

Are we seeking justice and righteousness in our world today? If not, why not? This kind of hunger is part of what pulls us closer to God and to each other.

Lord, guide us to “hunger and thirst for righteousness”—that the needs of everyone may be provided for. Amen.