Keep Yourselves in the Love of God | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for March 31

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. – Jude 17-21 ESV

The letter of Jude was written by Jesus’ half-brother Judas to a church with a heavy Jewish background. He’s not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus but is the one mentioned in Mark 6:3. His letter addresses the issues of false teachers who “have crept in unnoticed” (Jude 4). Jude calls Christians to remain firm in the true gospel.

In today’s text, Jude reminds the church that not only did the apostles foretell the coming of false teachers, but the Lord Jesus prophesied about their presence as well, and that this would be a sign that His second coming is near. The presence of false teachers is to be expected but dangerous, nonetheless. Jude instructs them to “build themselves up” and “keep [themselves] in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, that leads to eternal life.” 

What does it mean to remain in the love of God? Jude is urging them to flee falsehood and continue walking in the truth. Regardless of whether you are a parent, teacher, or leader, fight for what is true. Training those under your charge in God’s Word daily and abide in community with fellow Christians. These things don’t save us, but they do encourage us as we walk faithfully in the truth and keep us experiencing the love of God.