Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
We are anticipating the expected Mercy of Christ to come to us, and mercy grants eternal life. This is a promise that keeps us going joyfully and optimistically through all the ups and downs of life on earth. We could not live well, or even live at all, if it were not for the promise of mercy. Sin and misery, frustration and disappointment, depression and disgust, and the ever present, looming threat of death is always a part of our human experience, but into our midst comes the Mercy of Christ.
Mercy came to earth once in the person of the long-expected Messiah. The Son of God became a human to die for Sin, show mercy, and grant life. Because of that Coming we eagerly long for the Second Coming of Mercy when we will experience never-ending life. This expected Mercy Coming also includes the Final Judgment on sin, death, and the devil. For without judgment there is no mercy. Although we don’t want life to end, we still look for the day.
Meanwhile, while we wait in eager expectation we look for the Mercy and Life of Christ to come into our daily affairs, to ”show up.” and to hear our prayers. we spend our days looking for mercy. The promise comes to those who ”keep themselves in the love of God.” This means always being aware that God loves me. This attitude comes from hearing the Gospel regularly.