Divine Definitions: (1) Free from anything which might impair appearance, quality, or character; beautiful; (2) Open; honest; (3) Able to evaluate reality objectively; equitable; impartial; unbiased; (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; (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
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.