“Called… loved…and kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1)
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Eph. 4:32)
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19)
“Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance” (Jude 1:2)
Lord Jesus, we’re “wired” to love 3’s, maybe because you, our Father, and the Holy Spirit are our glorious Triune God. Perhaps that’s why we find so many memorable groups of “3’s” in the Scriptures.
These four threes’ stand out, are underlined in my Bible, and you have written them on our hearts. May they shape and fuel how we live the rest of our days, as we head towards our much-longed-for life in the new heaven and new earth.
Who are we? We have been called to life in you, by you, Lord Jesus. We are loved by our Father as much as he loves you, and you will keep us all the way Home (Jude 1:1). Hallelujah, and thank you.
How then shall we live? As those radically reoriented for a life of love—emitting kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (Eph. 4:32)—the best listeners, grace-full wordsmiths, not easily angered (James 1:19).
How is this even remotely possible, Jesus? Because of the mercy, peace, and love you give us in abundance in the Gospel (Jude 1:2). Forgive us for choosing otherwise. Free us to love well all the way Home. So Very Amen.