We’re going through Jude’s short letter to the church. He’s now making some concluding remarks to help us in our walk with the Lord.

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Jude 21-22 NIV

In these two verses, Jude is trying to get an important concept across to us. He mentions it three times in this short section. It’s the word, mercy.

I believe that in our generation we have no concept of what biblical mercy is all about. Most of the time we think it’s undeserved forgiveness.

We do something wrong. Then, when we’re caught, we want to get out of the consequences. So, we beg for mercy. That has nothing to do with the mercy of the Bible.

About ten years ago I did a series of posts on the truth of God’s mercy. To read these posts, click here.

For now, I’ll just summarize it. At one point in His ministry, Jesus told the pharisees…

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 9:13 NIV

Mercy is something God desires for us. It’s not a rule. Simply put, the Lord is saying that He would much rather reward our obedience than have to forgive our sin. Yes, He forgives our sin. But He really enjoys our obedience.

Our understanding of this is what matters. God’s mercy is His reward for us doing what He asks of us.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.

Romans 12:1 NIV

Notice that it doesn’t say “In view of God’s wrath.” It doesn’t say “In view of God’s promises.” Instead it tells us to keep God’s mercy in our sights.

Because God is “a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6), I want to fulfill His desires for me. I know I can live a sacrificial life, because it will not be in vain. I will be rewarded.

Here, Jude tells us to watch ourselves. Make sure we remain in God’s love. Then we can expect His mercy. But how do we remain in his love?

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

John 15:9-11 NIV

This just confirms that obedience brings mercy. But there is now an obligation on us that Jude talks about. We need to show mercy. We must reward those who are faithfully serving God.

Jesus said the same thing.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7 NIV

This is the walk of mercy. It’s a higher calling. It’s being obedient to God, while being a blessing to others.

Now, let me end this post with the closing words of Jude’s epistle.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jude 24-25 NIV

Question: How have you seen God’s mercy evident in your life?

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi