A Sacred Harmony

 

“Love and Faithfulness meet together; 

Righteousness and Peace kiss each other.” 

Psalm 85:10 

This single verse from Psalm 85 is one of the most beautiful pictures in all of Scripture—a poetic snapshot of what happens when God’s presence restores and renews His people. Here, four great virtues—love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace—are not just abstract ideals but dynamic, relational realities. 

Love (chesed) is God’s loyal, covenantal love. It is steadfast and sacrificial. Faithfulness (’emeth) is truthfulness and reliability—a life anchored in what is lasting and trustworthy. When these meet, there is both warmth and stability, grace and truth. Donald Coggan reminds us, “Love that is divorced from faithfulness can become indulgence; but love joined with truth is redemptive and holy.”

Righteousness (tsedeq) speaks of moral integrity and justice—right relationships with God and neighbor. Peace (shalom) is not just the absence of conflict, but the fullness of well-being, harmony, and wholeness. When these “kiss,” they reflect a world where God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Patrick Miller explains, “Righteousness in the Psalms is not merely a personal virtue but a relational one. It is about the just ordering of life, the faithful fulfillment of one’s responsibilities.”

Walter Brueggemann sees in this verse a prophetic vision of God’s transforming power: “These four words—love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace—are the building blocks of new creation. Their meeting signals that God is at work restoring what has been broken.”

In Christ, we see this verse embodied. Jesus is the perfect union of divine love and faithfulness. His life fulfilled all righteousness and brought us peace through the cross. Through Him, we are invited to live in this sacred harmony—walking in truth, acting in love, pursuing justice, and sowing peace.

Prayer:

Lord, we give thanks for Your nature, where love and truth are never at odds, and where righteousness brings peace. Help us reflect this sacred harmony in our daily lives. Let the beauty of Jesus permeate into our families, our fellowships, and our communities. Amen.