Righteousness and Peace Have Kissed Each Other

These words jumped off the page at me this morning as I read a short compilation of verses.

“Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”

So appropriate for the Fourth, I thought. So applicable to my life!

Curious about the context of the verse, I found it comes from Psalm 85 which is speaking about God’s dealing with the nation of Israel. (See I was right; a good reading for a day when we celebrate our nation’s independence.)

Of course the Bible is true and no parts are truer than others, but this phrase, “Righteousness and peace have kissed each other,” struck me. No one can have peace unless they also have righteousness. Peace may surround them, but internally peace cannot exist with wickedness.

On this day, when we remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us to give us freedom, much could be said about the righteous founding of our nation and the peace we’ve enjoyed. Our wonderful country, however, does not continue to exist because of our forefathers. Each of us is responsible for the continuation of peace by living righteously.  Whether serving in the military or simply living in this greatest nation, we all have a responsibility for how we live individually.

Happy Birthday, United States of America! I love you, my country.

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