It’s interesting to see how which you prefer affects how you behave toward others. Those who readily embrace the concept of God’s judgment often lack mercy, and become judgmental towards those who they regard as in the wrong. On the other hand, many who overlook sin in the name of tolerance lean toward relativism and hold less tightly to the objective truth of God’s Word.
The problem is we think that God’s mercy and wrath are opposed to one another, when they actually serve the same purpose: to bring God glory. How do they fit together? And how might seeing the way they fit together help us become more merciful people?
Jesus’ little brother has some answers for us.
Mercy and wrath in the Letter of Jude
Although we don’t know much about Jude, scholars conclude that he is a half brother of Jesus because he introduces himself as the “brother of James” Jude 1:1. The only James during the New Testament era who was so well known that he could be recognized by just his first name is the early church leader who Paul describes as, “James, the Lord’s brother” Galatians 1:9. If Jude is the brother of that James, then he is also the brother of Jesus.
When you read through Jude’s letter, it is easy to see his merciful heart shine through the ink. In this letter that exposes false teachers who have crept into the church, Jude has much to say about God’s mercy and love.
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