What does the Bible say about the Lord loving the righteous?

In Psalm 146, it is clearly stated that 'The Lord loves the righteous.' This highlights the importance of righteousness, which is not inherent to humanity but comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reinforces this idea, as it is through Christ's righteousness that believers are deemed righteous before God. In 1 John 2:1, it says that Jesus Christ is our advocate, emphasizing that true righteousness is found in Him. Hence, while we are unrighteous by nature, we are made righteous in Christ, and God loves His people because they are perceived as righteous through His Son.