May 26, 2023 — Psalm 41 

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble. The LORD protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD; 

heal me, for I have sinned against you.” My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish? ” When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around. All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.” Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. But may you have mercy on me, LORD; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.” Psalm 41 

As I look back on my life I have to admit that the people who have hurt me the most usually have been those whom I considered my closest and most trusted friends. I know my enemies do not want anything good to come of my life — but I do not expect this behavior to come from a friend or Christian “brother” or “sister”. 

While it has been said to “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer”, perhaps there are times when it would be wise to evaluate your friends on a regular basis. It is most important that we enter all friendships and relationships with eyes open knowing that we are part of a broken race, a fallen humanity where we may be hurt by the ones we love and sadly, even cause hurt to those we love. We must live every day trusting the mercy of G-d, and the love of Jesus so we can offer that love, unconditionally. It is when we lose sight of this love, when try to navigate this life on our own, that we get ourselves in real trouble. The life of the Christian is to give love no matter how little we receive back. That is being conformed to the image of Christ. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, healer of soul and body, you said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Teach us to come to the aid of the needy in a spirit of love, as we have been received and strengthened by you; and to you be the glory and praise now and forever. 

Amen.