It’s one of the shortest books of the Bible, and it begins with, “Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied” (Jude 1:2). Why does Jude start like this? We might miss that Jude is starting his letter in a similar way to how the Bible begins. Back in Genesis, God’s first instruction and blessing to all living things was “And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:22-28). It’s the instruction that is the very core of our purpose. There are two parts to this divine purpose: Fruitfulness and multiplication. While on a natural level, the instruction is obvious, its more important meaning is found spiritually. It’s a calling to us to develop God’s fruits of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) and then to multiply these to others. And so Jude begins his letter with a beautiful greeting and blessing of God’s fruits – mercy, peace, and love, and then praying for these to be multiplied as gifts to others. It’s a blessing we are called to live. It’s a blessing we are called to share. Today may you experience God’s mercy, peace and love. Today may you multiply God’s mercy, peace and love to others. Open Bible – http://bit.ly/jud1vs2,, http://bit.ly/gen1v22-28, https://bit.ly/gal5v22-23
