Psalm 122:1–9 in many ways describes what Jerusalem was meant to be rather than what it actually was. In this sense, it was a reminder to those who sing it that the Jerusalem here on earth is not the perfect Jerusalem which God people are looking forward to.

In Isaiah 2:2–4, we read these words of promise: “In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.' The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” The New Testament similarly encourages Christians with a vision of a new heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–27).

These promises of an ideal Jerusalem are a reminder to us that the perfect church is not found on earth. While we wait for the coming of Jesus Christ, we still live in a sinful world where we have sinful desires. We will continue to sin. We will make mistakes as individuals. We will hurt one another just as much as we are hurt by others. Now that’s not an excuse to sin, but it is to say that we should expect sin. Sanctification is a lifelong process by which the Holy Spirit conforms us into the image of Christ. It doesn’t happen overnight. So let’s be patient with one another, quick to forgive, and eager to help even as we pray, Come quickly Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).