Jude is Short
Jude is short and to the point. There was so much packed into that letter that I had to write some of the verses down and study them. He goes from false teachers to scoffers. Jude wrote about “certain people” who are in the church that don’t belong. They came in unnoticed and are destined for condemnation. They pervert the Gospel. Several people came to mind when I read that.
4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jude 4 (ESV)
That’s Powerful, But There is More
That isn’t the part that I wrote down though. Jude hits on the scoffers who show up “in the last time”. They will divide the Church if we allow it. I’ve limited my social media because of this. To see my brothers and sisters in Christ going back and forth with non-believers bothers me. I’ve reached out but to no avail. The negativity was starting to seep into my spirit and causing me to also want to fight fire with fire. However, that is not the proper response.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Jude 1:20 (NIV)
Protect Your Heart
I needed to remove myself from the vitriol and immerse myself in scripture. I needed to stay in prayer and work on my fellowship with God. I feel much more at peace now that I’ve limited the social media I’m on and the time spent on it.
Rather than arguing, let’s focus more on trying to reach the unsaved. We should show mercy and love. That’s hard to do, but think about the mercy that the Lord shows.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
Jude 1:22 (NIV)
Let’s continue to pray that we are able to show mercy. We should pray for those who “scoff”. Stay in prayer and fellowship and continue to meditate on God’s Word.
Have a wonderful week!
Before you go…
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