Anchored in Love, Sustained by Mercy

“…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”

Jude 1:21 (NLT)

The command to “keep yourselves safe in God’s love” is both an invitation and a responsibility. God’s love is unchanging, but we are called to remain rooted in it – to guard our hearts against drifting into fear, pride, or bitterness. It means daily remembering His affection, staying near to Him through prayer, obedience, and trusting God is with us in what comes our way. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Jude directs our gaze forward: “await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life.” This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s confident hope. Mercy isn’t just what saved us, it’s what sustains us. We are to live out mercy. Mercy is showing compassion or forgiveness  toward someone who rightly deserves punishment.

In the book of Micah, it tells us that the Lord delights in mercy. The truth is that he does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repays us according to our iniquities. Thank God for that! So, who are we to hold unforgiveness towards someone who’s hurt us. Instead let us allow the love of God within us show mercy to those around us.

Prayer

Lord, help us to remain in your love when we feel distant, upset or hurt and to fix our eyes on the mercy you offer us so freely in Christ. Strengthen us to live with hope, anchored in your promises and love by the power of your spirit. Amen.

This devotion was written by Maria Longo.