A friend loves at all times. – Proverbs 17:17
What is the age range of your friend list? Anyone over 500 years old? Consider what you might learn by adding Jude as a trusted advisor. He would be around 2000 years old today!
Jude’s compassion and concern for fellow followers of Christ led him to write the smallest book of the Bible, one straightforward chapter, 25 verses. But it is as important today as it was when it was written in 70 A.D.
He offers three cautions to keep you from the perils others have suffered in attempting to live a life of faith in a hostile environment. First, he warns you to be aware of those in your orbit, yes even in your circle of friends claiming to be believers. He notes some may be subverting the truth of the gospel because it is inconvenient and does not serve THEIR purposes, saying “It is these who cause divisions” (Jude 1:19).
Secondly, he counsels you to “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life” (Jude 1:21). With an arm around your shoulder, he reminds you to stay true to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even as uncertain days unfold. And lastly, he encourages you to come alongside those genuinely seeking God. “Have mercy on those who doubt” (Jude 1:22).
Today, thank God for faithful friends across time, like Jude, leaving letters of encouragement and instruction to you. Pray for those serving in the American government to consider their friends carefully and ask that many will find the Friend that is closer than any other – Jesus.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Jude 1:17-21
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
