5 "Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them." 6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. 7 O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. 8 The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.

When I think of the Apostle John, I am reminded of a neighbor, preacher and family friend who understood that the Lord would keep us safe. He understood the concept that God is love. Not just that God loves us (which he does) but that God is love. Have you ever thought that we do not read that God is mercy or that God is compassion? He has mercy and compassion that is beyond our imagination but these come from his great love.

It is because of the Psalmist’s knowledge of God’s love that he could so totally depend on God to be faithful. God had promised to keep him and protect him and he knew that the words of the Lord are flawless. God has promised us that he will take care of us and protect us. He will supply our every need. He will give us strength and he will always be with us. The reason is because he loves us.

His love motivated him to provide salvation for us by the giving of his Son as a substitute sacrifice for our sin. This was done while we were still his enemies and without hope. So John says that real love is from God and the ultimate love is the giving of God’s Son for us.

When we accept this love by accepting Jesus and his sacrifice, we give our lives to him and God’s love is perfected (made complete) in us. This love is demonstrated by our complete submission and hence obedience to God and is further shown by how we love others. This happens when we die to this world and are made new in Christ. It is then that his Holy Spirit is given to us to empower us to change and become partakers of the divine nature. So we read that the fruit (result shown in us) of the Spirit is first love and then joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It is God’s love in us that gives us all the others.

Lord God, as the giver of life and source of love, please fill me with your Spirit that I may be a partaker of your nature. Rid my heart of selfishness and pride that get in my way. Use me as your loving servant to minister to others, to lead others to your love and to bring them your joy and peace. Give me strength to study your flawless word more, give me wisdom to apply it in my life. Show me how to be more forgiving so that I can rid my heart of bitterness and the pain that accompanies it and be filled with joy and peace. Thank you in the name of Jesus my Lord and Savior.