A threefold blessing
Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Jude 2
A threefold blessing
Before Jude warns in his letter against those people who promote evil and perversity in Christianity, he wishes the believers mercy, peace and love.
o Mercy: The decline in the Christian testimony makes it difficult to faithfully follow the Lord Jesus and hold fast to biblical truth. God has mercy on us and helps us so that we do not become disheartened and give up. We are spurred on by Hebrews 4:16: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
o Peace: Although evil is becoming more prevalent within the Christian profession, we need not be anxious and worried. Trusting deeply in our God and Father, we can continue on our path of faith with peace in our hearts. Paul commends to us: “By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).
o Love: Despite our common failures as Christians, we know that God loves us. The awareness of His love strengthens us to obey His Word and love our brothers and sisters in faith, even in times of decline. That is why we are urged: “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21).
Today’s reading: Ezra 7:1-18 · Proverbs 7:1-27
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