Because begs a beginning, a reason; it does not stand alone.  We are and do and become because of where we live, work, associate, and because of our rooted values.  We Americans have a list of freedoms because of the foundational documents of our country.  Fought for and died for.  Free because, not just free. 

Similarly, we might become good, righteous in God’s eyes, because of what?  Certainly nothing of our own being or doing.  Is it us that reaches out to God, asking Him to be our friend, or is this something that He has already done on our behalf, even calling us to His side, desiring to adopt us as His own children?  How could He do this with the vileness of sin at our core, as thick as a lingering, incurable disease?  “He, God, made the One, Jesus, who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”  The because.  

Father, You created and stated it was “very good,” knowing there would be opposition.  It was Your plan all along to give us a hope, to reconcile people to Yourself, because of Your love, full, complete, sacrificial and steady.  And You require of us the same toward others, loving, reconciling, a power that can be sourced by only You, as we lean on You.  Open our, my eyes to behold Your very goodness through the eternal and daily trusting of Your Son, because of Your embracing arms, a good, good Father. 

2 Corinthians 5:21, 18, John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 22:37-39, Psalm 119:18 CSB