Most people who read this blog will remember the popular song “What the World Needs Now is Love”. This famous selection with lyrics by Hal David and music composed by Burt Bacharach became a mantra during the sixties, and although the manifestation of the idea within it has been lacking, the basis of it is still needed today. In studying the book of Jude we have learned some of Jude's view of himself – bond-servant of Jesus Christ, brother of James – and we have seen the audience with whom he shares – the sanctified, preserved and called. Today we take a look at Jude's desire for his readers, and not only does he hope love for them, but also mercy and peace as well. In verse two he wrote:
Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
Jude first writes of “mercy”. The word used here is “eleos” which means “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them”. It means not getting what we deserve. Although our infractions may have penalties with which we should pay, leniency and true pity are rather applied.
Next Jude desires “peace” for his readers. The word used here is “eirene” which carries the idea of national tranquility, security, safety and prosperity. Most of us who have ever been engaged in any sort of conflict understand the importance of peace within our lives.
Finally Jude hopes for “love” for those reading his words. The Greek word employed here is “agape” which means unconditional love, affection, goodwill and benevolence. Those who love in this manner do so without keeping score, holding grudges, or needing reciprocal attention. This is the type of love that Jesus manifested when He lived upon the Earth.
Jude's desire is that his readers enjoy mercy, peace and love, but notice that he doesn't desire just a normal level of each of these. He wants these traits to be “multiplied” within them. The idea is that we grow greatly in each of these traits. When mercy is given to and recognized by us, we should also be givers of mercy to others. When peace is in our lives, we should be a conductor of peace in others lives. When we understand the unconditional love that the Heavenly Father has extended toward us, we should extend this unconditional love toward others. We must be constantly growing, constantly increasing, and constantly multiplying in all these areas.
Our teacher Jude has given all of us areas in which to examine ourselves today. Are we multiplying in mercy? Are we multiplying in peace? Are we multiplying in love? If so, we are on the right tract. If not, perhaps today is a great day to begin to increase through the help of God the Father, His Holy Spirit and His Son working the math within our lives.
Next time we will take a look at what Jude has to say about contending for the faith, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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