STAND FIRM IN THE LOVE OF GOD
But you, belovedG27, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keepG5083 yourselves in the loveG26 of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.
Jude 1:20-21
G5083 τηρέω tēréō – cause one to persevere or stand firm in a thing
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy . . .
Jude 1:24
How are we as believers supposed to build ourselves up in the faith? Bible study, prayer, and “familyship” help to keep us strong. “Keep” might be better translated “persevere” or “stand firm.” If we are trying to keep ourselves in God’s love in our own strength we will fail. However, we will not fail because it is the Lord who enables us to stand firm.
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:4
We are fortified, not because we are “super saints,” but because we are surrendered to, sustained, and supported by the mighty hands of Jesus. We stand firm because we rest in His arms and trust Him to keep us in His love. However, when we are not “feeling” loved, we need to remind ourselves of God’s unconditional, merciful, gracious love by studying His word, praying honestly to Him, and spending time with strong believers. In this way we can bring our feelings into alignment with the truth that we are held securely by Christ, and nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39).
Father, remind us daily that we can stand firm in Your love because You hold us securely in Your hand (John 10:28-29) and no one can remove us from Your love. Help us to live boldly for You, confident of our place in Your forever family.