IV.
Today let’s spend some time paying attention to how the “beloved” are described.

V.
Jude 17-25 (NRSVue)

But you, beloved, must remember the words previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

VI.
What did you notice about the “beloved”?

They build themselves up, they pray, they stay connected to the love of God, they are forward looking, they take seriously the mercy they find in the Lord Jesus Christ and they are concerned about others. What more did you notice?

Of those descriptions of God’s beloved you read above, are there any you sense a need that they be more deeply rooted in your life? How do you think that can come about?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}