20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
Dear heavenly Father, events of late have forced me to consider what kind of friend I am. It’s quite easy to presume on friendship—kind of like putting on a well-worn pair of jeans or settling into one’s favorite recliner. Ease is one thing, presumption another. Life isn’t as predictable as I’d like it to be.
As friends, we’ve got to be building each other up in the gospel; praying for and with each other with the Spirit’s fire; looking toward and longing for Jesus’ return together; and staying alive to your love, lavished on us in the gospel.
22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
Invariably, we will go through various seasons together in friendship. Some of us will struggle with our faith—moving from our first love of Jesus, wrestling with new questions, experiencing difficult providences and suffering that cause us to rethink your goodness. Some of us will give into temptation, get seduced, and run “off the reservation” for a little while. Some of us, by pain or utter foolishness, will “cut our losses” and get entangled in sin and stories that have the power to kill. Show us how to love in all these scenarios, Father, all of them—both on the giving and receiving end.
24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.
Father, this is our hope, peace, and joy. You are able to keep of us from falling away and bring us home safely. We’re already blameless in Jesus—who is our righteousness and you’ve given us everything we need for the rest of our journey. All glory to you, blessed and loving Father. We will seek to live and love each other to your glory. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ holy and beautiful name.
