One of the loveliest images in the Bible appears in Psalm 85. The psalmist laments Israel’s unfaithfulness, but then he promises that God will forgive and bless his people. “Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.”
Like lions lying down with lambs, justice kissing peace is something I don’t expect to see outside heaven. The Jews, though, weren’t too interested in heaven. They wanted a better life right here and now. Jesus seemed to agree, because the theme of his preaching was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Yet everywhere I look I see war, poverty, disease, oppression and environmental disaster. So where is God’s kingdom?
Psalm 85 suggests that I look for situations where kindness and truth intersect. For example, a good parent doesn’t ask what animal the child has drawn. He praises the cheerful colors. A loving wife doesn’t say golf is boring. She says she enjoys watching TV with her husband. We’re not lying; we’re just tenderizing the truth.
At least half the letters that advice columnists receive ask, “How do I tell them this without hurting their feelings?” That suggests that many of us would like to combine truth and kindness more often, if someone would show us how. Maybe our parishes should offer classes in courtesy.
Courtesy is an expression of love. We put ourselves in another person’s position and consider the effect our words or actions could have on them. Then we choose the kindest response possible. I believe that every time we make that effort, God’s Kingdom is at hand.
This gives me hope that the second half of Psalm 85:11 is also possible here and now. We can bring peace and justice together. One reason it seldom happens is that we can’t find a satisfying response to injustice that doesn’t create still more resentment. Court verdicts and cease fires imposed by outsiders seldom produce lasting peace.
There are signs, though, that some national and international leaders are seeking better solutions. For example, the American government has apologized for violating Hawaii’s sovereignty and annexing its territory. While Native Hawaiians disagree on what justice might look like after 121 years, at least we all realize that the process must include listening to all “the children of the land.”
This effort is an example of “restorative justice” (or reparative justice). It is a form of mediation that seeks to focus on the needs of victims, offenders and the community, rather than precise legalities. Another example is South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission where victims of human rights abuses tell their story, abusers offer apologies and the commission distributes what financial reparations the country can afford.
Such efforts only work when all parties sincerely desire peace. Offenders must acknowledge their fault, and victims must give up dreams of vengeance. The church can help by reminding those involved that we are all sinners and are all in need of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
The kingdom has come. Christ has paid the price that justice demands. You and I are pardoned criminals. However, the kingdom has not come in its fullness. Christ calls us to help complete his mission. He calls us to treat all persons with truth and kindness. He calls us to work for a more just society. He calls us to pursue peace, no matter how often our efforts fail. He calls us to pray for diplomats, international aid organizations and arms inspectors. We pray, and a wall comes down in Berlin. We pray, and the fighting ends in Northern Ireland. We pray and, “Oh, look, there’s the kingdom!”
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720, or e-mail: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.