Understanding God's love and justice should go hand in hand. We are often so wrapped up in the belief of a just and loving God. Thinking that God will surely forgive us, no matter what sins and mistakes we commit. At the same time, He is a God who also wants justice for His people. The consequences of the people's actions against God's decree are part of His expression of justice.

This is what our reading shows us. The psalmist wants to remind the people of God's justice revealed to correct those who have gone astray in rebellion against God. Israel was delivered into the hands of the nations that had been their enemies. Oppression came from them, causing the people to suffer. This situation may be a reference to the Babylonian captivity experienced by Israel. The psalmist explains why this happened, namely because God had repeatedly helped and delivered them from danger, but the people continued to rebel against the Lord. They were drowning in iniquity.

God did not abandon them. He continued to see to their distress (v. 44). All this God did based on the covenant that had been established between God and His people. One of the things God did was to move the hearts of the oppressors to compassion (v. 46). This shows that God's grace continues to work in all situations that the people are going through.

Friends of the Bible, let us submit to the love and decrees of God. Do not take His commands lightly, for God is a God of justice. He is indeed a God of love, but He is also a God who enforces His justice. God wants His people to learn from every situation that He presents. So let us be faithful to God's love and discipline.