Mercy, Truth, Righteousness, and Peace
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. Psalm 85:10-13 (KJV)
Mercy, truth, righteousness and peace; these verses show how these work together. Let’s look first at mercy and truth.
Mercy
Mercy is the Hebrew word chesed, which means kindness, favor, good. it is often translated as lovingkindness. It refers to steadfast love and encompasses grace, mercy, strength, faithfulness, goodness and devotion. God’s covenant love meets us and helps us as we come into agreement with God based on covenant. Thus, God’s lovingkindness helps us and takes care of us.
Truth
Truth is the Hebrew word emeth, meaning stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness, assured, sure, right, faithful. Truth is faithful and unchanging. It is certain and sure. It can be trusted.
God’s lovingkindness and His sure truth meet together. By truth, which is God’s Word and character, we see that God is love. No matter what we face, God’s love and truth will rescue us. Love never fails, and knowing the truth sets one free. Therefore, when mercy and truth meet together, there is surety and freedom. We are assured of provision.
Now, let’s move on to righteousness and peace.
Righteousness
Righteousness is tsedeq in Hebrew. It means right, equity, prosperity. It refers to that which is altogether right and just. It is a relational and legal term. When we are righteous, we have both legal and relational rights with God. We have a relationship with God by being right with Him. It is based on the legal aspect that Jesus made the covenant with God that gives us access based on faith in Christ (Romans 5:1).
Peace
Peace in Hebrew is shalom, meaning peace, tranquility and is a greeting. It can also be used as a blessing. Jehovah Shalom means the Lord is peace. It refers to wholeness, health, prosperity, safety, and completeness. Jesus is our peace. He makes us whole in every area of life.
When we trust in Jesus as our Savior, He makes us righteous, or right with God. That access to God gives us peace, or complete wholeness in every part of our lives.
Conclusion
By God’s love, truth comes to us in the person of Jesus. Thus the living Word and the written Word unite. God’s love and truth come together. And righteousness and peace have met to work together. All four together make us right and whole with God.
Heaven comes to earth, and the land yields an increase. Righteousness goes before the Lord, and we walk in God’s steps. Mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace all come from God and working together they benefit us in every area of life.
