Reunited and Reconciled // Psalm 85:10

Today is Interational Kissing Day! Is there someone you look forward to giving a smooch? A kiss was a method of greeting during biblical times, just as it is in many cultures today. That gives a neat little insight into today’s verse from Psalm 85:10. The psalmist painted a picture about love and faithfulness, as well as righteousness and peace, reuniting after an estranged absence. What strikes me is how we can see these virtues in ways that are incompatible with Godly values. Sometimes the things we claim to love fly in the face of faithfulness to the Lord. Also, when we compromise our values to try and secure an unwinnable peace, we run afoul of righteousness. Psalm 85 calls us to acknowledge the many ways we fall short of God’s glory. We need forgiveness, restoration, and an ongoing committed connection to God as an ounce of prevention against future folly. Through it all we will remember how God is good, and we’ll see Him running toward us when we make even the slightest turn. Once reunited, we’re greeted with a holy kiss as love and faith, righteousness and peace are reconciled from our waywardness. So, however you might celebrate this International Kissing Day, do so reflecting on the love of God that forgives, redeems, and restores.