As for the saints in the land,

they are the excellent ones,

in whom is all my delight.

Psalm 16:3

Interesting perspective. David calls God's people "saints, excellent ones," those "in whom is all my delight." Strong language!

The saints are God's people. Not God's perfect people but God's flawed people. God's stubborn people. God's neurotic people. God's all-too-human people.

David doesn't delight in them so because they are good but because they are God's. David had a tender affection for them in spite of their flaws (flaws that David shared of course).

I understand what David is saying. I didn't understand it as a young pastor. Not really. But I am beginning to understand it.

As I have gotten older, perhaps closer to God, I feel this love for God's people. I feel this growing sense of tenderness, affection, love, especially for the people in our church family.

When I am gone on a Sunday, I miss seeing fellow WoodsEdgers. When I am there, I light up inside when I see people. I am glad for our Wednesday prayer service so I can see some of them more.

Sure, some of God's people I know better. Some of God's people are easier to enjoy. Naturally. But there is a bond there that's bigger than us. It is a Spirit-produced bond. We are bound together as a body. We are bound together as a family. We are bound together in loyalty to our King. We are bound together as brothers and sisters, as servants and soldiers. We are bound together in the great cosmic battle. We are bound together by blood, the blood of Jesus. We are bound together for eternity.

There is a bond here that's bigger than us.

So the Spirit of God moves in my heart, and perhaps in yours:

Love them. Love them fervently.
Love them patiently and graciously.
Love for my sake. Love and live in community.

How is your heart toward God's flawed people? Hear David's: As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.