Important Characteristics For The Beloved
Often, people want a quick checklist to help them develop a good character. There are many such lists in the Bible that a Christian can use to help create a pattern of holy character, and Jude is no exception. With just over sixty words, Jude presents a pattern of discipleship that any Christian should seek to emulate in his life every day. Contained in these few nuggets of divine truth, anyone trying to form their lives in the image of Jesus Christ will find a wealth of information to help them become a better person and shining examples of godliness in their life.
Jude speaks to the beloved who are in Christ. The term “beloved” is the same endearment God used for His Son when Jesus was baptized and at the Mount of Transfiguration. In the parable of the wicked vinedressers, Jesus alludes to Himself as the beloved of the Father. Paul often referred to his brethren as the beloved. God looks upon His children as His beloved, as a Father endears Himself to His children. Jude refers to his brethren three times as his beloved because he cares for them and their relationship with the Father. The characteristics Jude outlines are how one can enjoy the paternal blessings of a loving and compassionate Father who cares deeply for the affairs of those who seek His favor.
The essential character of the beloved is to build oneself up in the most holy faith. God wants His people to grow in the grace and knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. Much like constructing a building with a proper foundation, secure walls, and a permanent roof, the life of the Christian must be built on the rock – Jesus Christ; the teachings of the apostles; and the grace of God covering his life. Building requires action and activity. No house is built by itself. It takes daily effort to build the heart to be forgiving, compassionate, and passionate about Jesus Christ. Faith comes from hearing the word of God through an everyday experience of God’s voice. No Christian can build themselves up without the word of the Lord dwelling in their hearts. First things must come first – build the faith in the word.
Prayer is the concrete that holds a building together. Many of God’s people dwell in a spiritual kindergarten when it comes to prayer life. The result is the building is wobbly and unstable without the mortar of prayer filling the cracks and spaces of life. Praying in the Holy Spirit is taking the sword of the Spirit (the Bible) and talking to God, seeking His counsel. Those who are beloved of the Father deeply desire to speak with the Father. Knowing that God listens to every prayer and He blesses His children with all their needs according to His divine reassures the Christians they are loved and beloved of the Father.
Keeping oneself in the love of God is where the walk of obedience shows the beloved’s faith. The Lord has always required His people to obey His commands, precepts, laws, and judgments. Grace is the love of the Father for His children, and works evidence the love of the disciple to the Father. No one can be saved by faith alone. Building oneself up in the most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit requires action on the part of the beloved. Without works, faith is dead. The Christian must show the Father how much they love Him and thank him for looking upon them as the beloved.
Jesus came to save the lost and called all men to repentance. He gave His life for ransom to take away the wrath of God, redeeming those who would obey the will of the Father. The debt owed to God for His love and the price of redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ can never be repaid. God’s mercy comes without measure. Eternal life is a divine blessing given by the love of the Father to creatures who do not deserve one crumb of mercy – yet man has been granted to be called God’s beloved and to bask in the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. The joy of being the beloved of the Father is to know how much the Father loves His children. Mercy fills the soul of those who see the love of God. They feel His immense grace to forgive sinful men.
How can you live a full life in Christ? Build yourself up in the most holy faith, pray without ceasing, walk in the love of God, and recognize the grace of God to redeem you from His wrath. The final admonition of Jude is for the individual to have a love for others. There are those who are overcome by sin that need to be pulled from the fire. Jude suggests having compassion for some, but others must be saved with power. Eternal life can be lost so easily. Do not waste time. Show God’s love for those who need a compassionate heart. Others deal with them directly and forcefully to save their souls lest they perish. Time is fleeting. Now is the day of salvation. Follow Jude’s pattern of spiritual growth. To God be the glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.
The Heaton File 