17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

I kiss my wife - not just a peck on the cheek or the lips but a real kiss.  We go on dates and try to keep the flames alive.  If we're to model our relationship as one between Christ and the church, is there even another way.  Our relationship is much much more than romance but it is at least that.  Whatever comes our way, it is important for my wife to know that I love her no matter what...and vice versa.  And I don't mean duty-ish love...I mean the kind of love that says that there will be no other til the day I die.

The tide is turning as the false gospel takes hold in people’s lives.  True believers will be mocked and shamed (v.18) ...and Jude saw it coming.  The “scoffers” are the ones who will try to shame you for your humility, gentleness and genuine honesty.  They will see confession as weakness and pride themselves in taking their faith in stride – they will boast in their “lukewarmness.”  Things haven’t changed much in our time.  The “scoffers” are still around - if not increasing.  To endure shame and suffering, we must heed the words of Jude during these times, “keep yourselves in the love of God.”  Without continually experiencing the love by God, we will be overwhelmed by the voices of condemnation and shame – made to feel foolish for trying to be whole-hearted for God.  Staying in the Presence of God is a must or we will bleed from the arrows of the enemy. 

Moreover, when we get a hold of the truth that God’s love in our lives is the true treasure of infinite worth, we will want to look beyond the hurtful façade of others and even dare to rescue them from their plight.  If we are not overwhelmed by the mercies of God in our lives for the many sins we commit against Him, there can be no overflow for others who come into our lives with lesser sins.  Therefore, let’s heed the words of Jude to keep ourselves in the love of God: “building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”  We are in this together!