The Positive Qualities for the week of 02/22/2026

Between justice and mercy is Fairness. Trusting the rules of the game. Trying to see the other point of view. Expressing your own points with integrity and clarity. Willing to compromise. Looking to the ideal while recognizing the fallibility of the current situation. Eventually all things will work together for the greater good.

[Photograph by Jerry Downs – Attached]

Books by James Preston Downs:

To access the Book of Positive Qualities and The Nature and Attributes of God: https://ascensioncafe.org/defining-our-times/

To read Heaven Bound: Conversations with an Angel: https://wordsaloft.org/heaven-bound/

FAIR
Divine Definitions: (1) Free from anything which might impair appearance, quality, or character; beautiful; (2) Open; honest; (3) Able to evaluate reality objectively; equitably; independently; unbiasedly; (4) Able to take all things into consideration; evenhanded; equanimous; (5) Sympathetic of the plight of others; accepting; commiserative; (6) Truthful at all times; ingenuous; upstanding; (7) The perfect melding of justice and mercy

Comments:
• One of the first qualities a child understands is fairness. They first want their way–for the other person to be fair with them. But they soon begin to understand fairness is a two-way street. We hold certain qualities in high regard for each other. How much more so are these qualities exemplified by The Creator of moral value itself? God holds up His end of the fairness exchange. Our part is to align our will with His, most eminently fair, will.
• Is there a fairness to the hardships which we are asked to endure and learn from? Since God is fair, if we are pushed beyond His sense of fairness, we will be compensated.

FAIRNESS
Human Definitions: (1) all sides treating each other truthfully and impartially; just; equitable; objective; evenhanded; (2) pleasant and courteous; civil; fair-minded; (3) free from anything which might impair the appearance, quality, or character; clean; pure; (4) agreeable to the eye or mind <especially because of fresh, charming, or flawless traits>; lovely; beautiful; attractive; (5) open; honest; (6) the perfect melding of justice and mercy

Synonyms: candid, clear, equanimous, frank, honest, open, reasonable, sympathetic, unprejudiced

Idiom: Let’s be fair and square.

Quotes:
• We must always remember that it is when passions are most inflamed that fairness is most in jeopardy. — Susan Margaret Collins (1952-) American senator
• I don’t think fairness means that you give equal time to every point of view no matter how marginal. You weigh the sides, you do some truth-testing, you apply judgment to them. — Bill Keller (1949-) American journalist

Comment: Every circumstance cannot be fair, but if all parties enter a situation with an attitude of fairness, they will have a better chance of ending up with a satisfactory outcome for all. Take into consideration not only a concern for your interests, but also a healthy concern for the other person’s interests.

Observation: Many of the higher, or more complex, qualities need a solid foundation. The groundwork for fairness begins with a raw reading of the law (natural or legal), then a balanced reading of justice, then comes the question of fairness, after that patience, and then kindness. Only then can one take the next step and show loving mercy.

Celebrated: Intergenerational Fairness Day is on November 16^th.

Please share these Positive Qualities with a friend on Facebook at “Positive Qualities.”

The Fruits of the Spirit:
• Loving Kindness
• Courageous Loyalty
• Sincere Fairness
• Enlightened Honesty
• Undying Hope
• Confiding Trust
• Merciful Ministry
• Unfailing Goodness
• Forgiving Tolerance
• Enduring Peace
— The Urantia Book, 193:2.2, Jesus of Nazareth (7 B.C.-30 A.D.) Jewish Preacher

Peace,
Jim Downs

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