You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:43-45.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8.

What can we learn with our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit? How much He loves and cares for us. I love the small group that gathers each Friday morning. We gather because we love God and we gather because God drew us together to be with Him. That got me thinking as we discussed the video presentation by John Ortberg talking about the first Scripture cited this morning. Ortberg showed us that God is the greatest enemy-Lover of all time. Can we sit with that awhile? What is our inclination? “The Law of Retaliation”. Like so many laws today and in the ancient world, that law was not from God. God the Son told us to love our enemies and realize that God sends His rain and the sunrise on His enemies whom He loves. I keep thinking about “small groups” gathered to learn about God and truly, the best small grouping will be you with our Father, Son, Spirit – gently, patiently leading you where you are right now. As you turn to Him, you will begin to hear when He speaks words of love and compassion to you. A new beginning!

And in our chapter, Psalm 32, a beautiful example from David of one who knows who the Lover of his soul is. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. v. 1, 2. And David knew how much he needed to bring everything to God and how bringing everything healed him. Nothing was too big or too small or too awful for our God who loves. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. v. 3, 4. The burdens of our own sins and the sins of this broken world are too heavy for us to bear. So stop. Let God be God. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. v. 5. And then God speaks to David and to you and me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. v. 8, 9. When we come to God we find sanctuary and hope to live fully delighting in this life He has given us. And when we don’t go to Him…when we insist on doing what harms us and others what happens is evident in the results…Many are the woes of the wicked (v. 10)…We bring needless pain on ourselves and others…woes that cause great harm. God is showing us how to love. Love is not unkind, or controlling, or condemning. Let God be God. But…the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. v. 10. That can be you and me in all our imperfections…and in God’s timing and wisdom…our enemies every one. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! v. 11. Do we believe God?