Guard Yourselves and Have Mercy

In every generation, the church will encounter those who oppose the things of God. Jude therefore urged believers to contend for the faith and to keep themselves “in the love of God.” This “keeping” is not mysterious or isolated; rather, it is an exhortation to the regular assembly of worship, where we hear from God’s Word and cultivate relationships with other believers. It is a call to steadfast prayer and hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return, trusting that the one who loves us and brings us into his family also “keeps” us, even as we keep ourselves.