SWHW Bible Reading Plan: June 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Jessica Hottle:

The subtitle in my Bible right before verse 20 in Jude 1 says, "Maintain Your Life with God." 

In verses 20-23, we see a call to inward and external growth.

Jude 1:20-21 deals with us internally, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

Jude 1:22-23 shows us the call externally, "And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”

Jude calls us to keep growing spiritually and in maturity (inward growth). We cannot put our trust only in leaders, devotionals, or preachers to lead the way for us. Depending on other things and people to grow us spiritually can hurt our growth and lead us astray. No one can make us grow in our relationship with the Lord; we get to. 

The second half is where Jude calls us to continue to grow in love with those around us (external growth). We have to use wisdom to approach every person we encounter by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We can know when we should comfort and when we should rebuke. We should be helping others with our love.

Oftentimes we want to focus on our works and all the things we can do to make things right or good, while we neglect the soul and heart change that needs to occur before any real change stays. 

Ask yourself today: how is what you are working on internally changing you externally?

Father, I thank You for Your kindness towards me as I continue to learn and grow. Show me how to love people who are different, speak differently, and believe differently. Guide me in every conversation I have with compassion. Teach me Your ways, so I don't live in mine. I love You, Amen!