Jude 20 – But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
Heavenly Father, events of late have compelled me to consider what kind of friend I am. It’s too easy to presume on friendship; kind of like putting on a comfortable pair of jeans or nestling into one’s favorite recliner. Ease is one thing, presumption another, engagement is better by far.
As this Scripture states, the older we get, the more we need, and need to be, friends shaped by the gospel—building each other up in the faith; praying with the Spirit’s passion, for and with each other; living with a view to Jesus’ return; and especially, staying alive to your astonishing love for us in Jesus.
22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
Invariably, good friends go through various seasons. Some of us will struggle with our faith—moving from our first love of Jesus, wrestling with new questions; experiencing difficult providences and heart-deflating suffering.
All of us will be tempted to avoid Jesus. Some will succumb to a life of busyness and “muchness”; others to a season of foolish choices and sin’s pleasure. Show us how to minimize destructive scenarios, Father, and how to love well when they happen.
24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.
This is our hope, peace, and joy. You are able to keep of us from falling away and bring us home safely. We’re already blameless in Jesus—who is our righteousness; and you’ve given us everything we need for the rest of our journey. All glory to you, blessed and loving Father. Make us good friends—gospel friends. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ holy and beautiful name.