By Ariel
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Persevering in faith means staying close to Jesus even when opinions get loud.
- Jude gives a simple rhythm: remember truth → build faith → pray → stay in God’s love → help others with mercy.
- Kids can practice this with small daily habits: Scripture, short prayers, kind choices, and wise boundaries.
- Helping someone doesn’t mean copying their bad choices—compassion + truth is the goal.
Hi, I’m Ariel!
Have you ever felt like giving up—like when a science project falls apart again, or your Minecraft build gets deleted, or even when you’re just having one of those days where everything feels too hard? I’ve been there too.
But guess what? That’s actually when faith gets strongest. Like… spiritual muscles! 💪✨
When things don’t go our way, we have this amazing chance to hold tighter to God’s love — not because everything is perfect, but because He is.
Today, I want to explore how persevering in faith is kind of like walking a long trail with Jesus. Sometimes it’s steep, sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes it’s really muddy — but He’s always walking beside us, cheering us on.
And every little step, even the slow ones, matters. 💜
Download the Family Study PDF
Ready-to-use discussion prompts, journaling space, and a kid-friendly flow for Jude 1:17–23.
Bonus visuals: Coloring Page • Educational Data Worksheet
So come along! Let’s talk about sticky prayers, real courage, and what the Bible says about never giving up — even when things get tough.
Are you ready to walk with me?
TL;DR
Jude warns that mockers and false voices will try to pull believers apart. Persevering in faith means remembering true teaching, building up our faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, staying in God’s love, and helping others with mercy and wisdom.
🌿 Standing Firm in the Faith
One night during our family Bible time, Daddy opened his Bible to Jude 1:17–23, and right away, something about it made my heart lean in.
“Jude reminds us to stay strong in our faith,” Daddy said gently, “especially when the world around us feels confusing or people start drifting away from God’s truth. He calls us to persevere, to pray in the Spirit, and to stay rooted in God’s love.”
That word persevere echoed in my head like a challenge and a hug at the same time.
🛠️ What Does It Mean to Build Ourselves Up in Faith?
So I asked, “How do we build ourselves up in faith?”
Daddy’s answer made me think of blueprints and building blocks — and maybe even Minecraft.
“It means strengthening your relationship with God — by praying, studying the Bible, and living what you learn,” he said. “Just like building a house or a strong tower, it takes time, care, and effort. Every prayer you whisper and every verse you hold onto is like adding a brick to your foundation.”
He also explained that building up your faith isn’t just about learning facts — it’s about knowing God personally and letting His truth shape your heart.
Honestly? I thought that was kind of amazing.
🕊️ What Does It Mean to Pray in the Spirit?
Then Alice, who was snuggling Mr. Fluffernutter like he was part of the conversation, asked one of her classic questions:
“How do we pray in the Spirit?”
Daddy smiled like he knew that was coming.
“Praying in the Spirit,” he said, “means letting the Holy Spirit help you pray. It’s about trusting God to guide your words, your thoughts, and even the feelings you can’t quite explain.”
That made me pause. I think sometimes, I try to sound “right” when I pray. But maybe God just wants real. He already knows what’s in our hearts — and He helps us shape our prayers when we open up to Him.
“It’s not just asking,” Daddy added. “It’s listening too. It’s trusting that God is near and ready to lead you.”
Kind of like tuning a radio to God’s frequency — quiet, clear, and always full of love.
🧠 Let’s Reflect Together!
- Have you ever felt like your faith needed a little extra strength?
- What’s one way you can “build up” your faith this week?
- Can you think of a time when prayer helped you feel closer to God?
📖 Memory Verse Moment
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love…”
— Jude 1:20–21 (NIV)
Fun Fact
Jude describes people who separate and stir division. In the early church, unity mattered because believers depended on each other for teaching, support, and safety—community was part of staying strong.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: Why does Jude warn about mockers?
A: So believers don’t panic or copy the chaos. When you expect pushback, you can stay calm, stay kind, and stay close to God.
🔍 Be Alert to Mockers and False Teachers
During our Bible study, we paused on a powerful warning from Jude 1:17–18:
“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’”
— Jude 1:17–18 (NIV)
Daddy leaned forward and explained, “Mockers are people who reject God’s truth and often try to convince others to walk away from it too. They might sound clever or kind at first — but their words lead hearts away from what’s real and right.”
That made me wonder: How do we know if someone’s pulling us off track?
🧭 Staying Rooted in Truth
I asked, “So, we need to be careful not to follow people who try to pull us away from God?”
Yaya nodded with that wise smile she always gets when Scripture is about to come alive.
“Yes, exactly,” she said. “And that’s why the apostles’ teachings are so important. They help us spot what’s real and what’s not — like a spiritual compass!”
She told us how being grounded in Scripture is like having a flashlight when things get confusing. It helps us see clearly and avoid the lies that might look shiny on the outside but are empty inside.
💡 How to Respond with Love and Courage
Daddy added something that really stayed with me:
“When you meet someone spreading confusion or turning from God, don’t just run away. Instead, stand firm in your faith — but do it with love. You can be a light in their life, showing truth without being harsh.”
He reminded us that praying for wisdom and staying close to our church family helps us stay strong.
When we read God’s Word regularly and support each other, we grow more confident — not just in what we believe, but in how we live it out.
It made me realize that persevering in faith isn’t just about holding on — it’s about helping others see why God’s truth matters too.
🧠 Let’s Reflect Together!
- How can we respond with kindness and courage when someone challenges our faith?
- Have you ever heard someone say something that didn’t sound quite right about God or the Bible?
- What helps you know when something is true or false?
Family Activity: “Faith Builder Stack” (5 minutes)
- Read Jude 1:20 out loud (one person reads, everyone listens).
- Pick 1 tiny habit for today: one verse, one prayer, one kind action, or one apology.
- Write it down on a sticky note. Place it where you’ll see it (fridge, Bible, homeschool binder).
- Do it before bedtime. Celebrate with a simple “We did the step!”
Optional worksheet image: Open Educational Data Worksheet
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: What does “pray in the Holy Ghost” mean?
A: Asking God for help with a real heart—letting the Holy Spirit guide your words, your attitude, and your next step.
🧱 Build Up Your Faith and Pray in the Spirit
In our Bible study, we came across a verse that felt like a blueprint for growing closer to God — Jude 1:20:
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit…”
— Jude 1:20 (NIV)
When Daddy read that out loud, my brain kind of lit up like, Wait, so faith is something we can actually build? Like a structure — strong, layered, and able to stand tall even when storms roll in.
🏗️ What Does It Mean to Build Up Our Faith?
I asked Daddy what it meant, and he explained it this way:
“Building your faith means choosing to grow closer to God — by talking to Him through prayer, singing in worship, and learning more through His Word. It also means trusting Him even when life feels tough or uncertain.”
He said every time we spend time with God — through Scripture, prayer, or quiet listening — we’re creating space for our hearts to grow stronger. Kind of like planting seeds and watering them every day. 🌱
Faith doesn’t grow by accident. It grows when we show up, even on the messy days.
💬 How the Holy Spirit Helps Us Pray
Then Alice, still hugging Mr. Fluffernutter like he was part of our small group, asked,
“Does the Holy Spirit help us pray?”
Daddy nodded and said something that made so much sense to me:
“Yes. The Holy Spirit helps guide our prayers — especially when we don’t have the right words or when we’re feeling overwhelmed. He helps us talk to God in a way that really shows what’s on our hearts.”
That made me pause. Because sometimes, I don’t know what to say when I pray. But this means I don’t have to figure it all out on my own.
“Even when our prayers feel small,” Daddy added, “the Holy Spirit makes them powerful. He brings clarity, comfort, and boldness. Every prayer becomes an act of faith and trust.”
And that’s the kind of faith I want — not perfect, but growing. Not always loud, but always listening.
🧠 Let’s Reflect Together!
- What does building up your faith look like in your daily life?
- When do you feel closest to God — during prayer, worship, or reading the Bible?
- Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit to help guide your prayers?
Fun Fact
Jude uses “beloved” more than once—reminding readers who they are while giving tough advice. Identity first, instructions second.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: How can a kid “stay in God’s love”?
A: Stick close to the habits that keep your heart soft—Scripture, prayer, honest apologies, forgiveness, and kind choices.
💖 Keep Yourself in God’s Love
One of the verses that really caught my attention during our study was Jude 1:21:
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
— Jude 1:21 (KJV)
I asked, “How do we keep ourselves in God’s love?”
Because honestly… that sounded big. Like, how do we stay wrapped up in something we can’t always see but know is real?
🌟 Living a Life Shaped by God’s Love
Yaya smiled and said something I’ll never forget:
“We stay in God’s love by trusting Him, following His commands, and letting His love shape how we live.”
She explained that when we let God’s love guide our choices, it becomes easier to love others—even when it’s hard. His love helps us stay focused on His promises, especially when things don’t go our way.
It’s like putting on a pair of spiritual glasses that help us see through life’s messiness and remember what really matters.
Yaya also said something that made me write it down in my journal with sparkly pen ink:
“Gratitude is one of the best ways to stay close to God’s love.”
When we stop and really notice the blessings around us—like warm pancakes, safe places, and the kindness of friends—we begin to see just how deeply God cares for us.
🤝 Staying Close to God’s Heart Together
We also talked about how community plays a big part.
“Worship, prayer, and being around other believers helps us grow stronger in faith,” Yaya said.
“It reminds us that we’re not walking this path alone.”
She said when we share our faith and look for ways to serve others, we’re not just keeping ourselves in God’s love—we’re spreading it around like sunshine in the rain. ☀️🌧️
And that’s what makes walking with Jesus so special. His love gives our life direction, even when the map looks confusing. It shapes who we are and points us toward the beautiful forever He promises — eternal life with Him.
🧠 Let’s Reflect Together!
- Is there someone you can show God’s love to today?
- What are some ways you see God’s love in your life every day?
- How can you practice gratitude this week as a way to stay close to God?
Fun Fact
Jude’s “mercy strategy” includes making distinctions—meaning we respond differently to doubt than we do to danger. Wise love pays attention.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: How do I help a friend without copying bad choices?
A: Be kind, tell the truth gently, invite a better choice, and ask a trusted adult for help when something feels unsafe.
🤝 Reaching Out to the Lost with Compassion
When we got to Jude 1:22–23, Daddy read it slowly, like he wanted every word to land softly:
“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
— Jude 1:22–23 (NIV)
It felt serious. But also full of hope — like a rescue mission powered by love.
🫶 Loving People While Standing Firm
Daddy explained it like this:
“Some people need gentle compassion, and others might need a strong wake-up call. But in both cases, our goal is the same — helping them turn back to God.”
That made me ask, “So we should always love the person, even if we don’t agree with what they’re doing?”
Yaya looked at me and nodded with kindness in her eyes:
“Exactly. We’re called to hate the sin — but love the person. That means showing patience, kindness, and care even when it’s hard.”
She reminded us that compassion doesn’t mean approval — it means we care enough to reach out with truth and tenderness. She said people carry hidden hurts, and sometimes all they need is one person brave enough to reach into their storm with God’s light.
🌱 A Mission of Grace and Truth
Daddy added something I’ll never forget:
“The world pushes people away, but Jesus pulls them close. We get to be part of that — if we lead with love, listen with care, and trust the Holy Spirit to do the heart-changing work.”
That gave me a new way to see it. We’re not here to argue or judge. We’re here to help. To offer hope. To be the kind of friend who sees someone stuck — and gently says, “You don’t have to stay there. God loves you too much to leave you in that place.”
Being compassionate is brave. It’s gentle strength. It’s what Jesus shows us every single day.
🧠 Let’s Reflect Together!
- How can you be both kind and truthful when helping others?
- Has anyone ever shown you compassion when you were struggling?
- What’s one way you can show God’s love to someone who might feel far away?
Fun Fact
Jude is short, but it’s packed with action words (remember, build, pray, keep, show mercy). Short books can still be powerful.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: What if I mess up while trying to persevere?
A: Come back fast—tell God the truth, accept His mercy, and take the next small step again. Perseverance is “keep returning,” not “never failing.”
🧠 What I Learned About Persevering in Faith
As we wrapped up our Bible time, I took a deep breath and thought about everything Jude had to say. His message reminded me that staying close to God isn’t just important — it’s essential. Especially when life feels confusing or people around us are walking away from truth.
Here’s what really stuck with me:
🧱 Building up our faith helps us grow stronger on the inside — not just so we can stand firm, but so we can help others too.
🙏 Praying in the Spirit connects us to God’s heart in ways we sometimes can’t explain with words. The Holy Spirit fills in the gaps with love and wisdom.
💖 Living in God’s love gives us the courage to shine light into someone else’s darkness — not because we have it all together, but because He does.
🌟 Becoming a Beacon of Hope
When we focus on growing spiritually, we become like lighthouses — steady, bright, and safe.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
— Matthew 5:14 (NIV)
That’s how I want to live. Reflecting Jesus. Sharing kindness. Staying grounded in truth and love.
Whether it’s a smile, a prayer, a thoughtful question, or just choosing kindness — every moment becomes a way to live out our faith with purpose.
And guess what? That kind of faith doesn’t just stay inside — it spills out, building up families, classrooms, and communities with God’s grace.
🧠 Let’s Reflect Together!
- What does it look like to live as a light in your home, school, or neighborhood?
- What’s one thing Jude’s message taught you about staying close to God?
- How can you help someone else grow in their faith this week?
🌱 Living Out Jude’s Message
Now that we’ve explored Jude’s powerful message about persevering in faith, here are some simple but meaningful ways you can live it out in your everyday life.
These aren’t just “to-dos” — they’re heart habits that help you grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus.
🧱 Strengthen Your Faith Daily
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
— Romans 10:17 (NIV)
Set aside time each day to connect with God — through prayer, worship music, or reading your Bible.
Even a short verse scribbled on a sticky note or a quiet moment before bed can help your faith grow strong, like roots digging deep.
Try joining a family Bible study, a kids’ church group, or just reading with your siblings. Faith grows best when it’s shared!
🙏 Pray in the Spirit
Prayer isn’t about perfect words — it’s about real ones.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you know what to pray when you’re not sure. Sometimes your prayer might be just a whisper like, “Jesus, help me.” That’s more than enough.
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness… the Spirit himself intercedes for us.”
— Romans 8:26 (NIV)
Invite God into every part of your day — from brushing your teeth to big, brave decisions.
💖 Live in God’s Love
Let His love shape your choices — how you treat your family, how you react when you’re frustrated, and even how you talk to someone who disagrees with you.
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)
When you’re rooted in God’s love, you’ll reflect His grace — like a mirror catching sunlight and spreading it around. ☀️
🤝 Help Others Find Their Way Back
Look for ways to encourage friends or family who are feeling lost, confused, or distant from God. Sometimes it starts with just listening.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another.”
— Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Whether it’s a kind word, a simple prayer, or a patient heart, your love might be what points someone back toward Jesus.
🧠 Let’s Reflect Together!
- What’s one step you can take this week to grow your faith?
- Is there someone you know who could use a little extra encouragement?
- How can you reflect God’s love through your actions and words?
🏗️ Our Faith Builders Jar
This week, we started something super special at home — we called it our Faith Builders Jar!
The idea was simple but powerful:
We each wrote down different ways to strengthen our faith and share God’s love with others — things like:
Faith Builders Ideas
- Memorizing a Bible verse
- Praying for someone in need
- Writing a kind note to a neighbor
- Helping with chores without being asked
- Volunteering or donating to a local ministry
Then we folded the slips of paper and dropped them into a jar with glitter and ribbon (because Alice insisted on sparkles 🧁✨). Each day, we pulled one out and challenged ourselves to live it.
💡 More Than Just Tasks — It Was Transformation
At first, it felt like a fun game. But something deeper started happening.
We had conversations around the dinner table like:
“What did it feel like to pray for someone we don’t even know?”
“How did it make your heart feel when you gave up screen time to serve?”
We laughed, we listened, and we encouraged each other — not just to complete a task, but to reflect on why it mattered.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
— Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
That jar didn’t just hold ideas. It held hope. It became a way for us to stay focused on God’s truth, persevere in faith, and grow closer as a family — one faithful step at a time.
🧠 Let’s Reflect Together!
- Would your family like to start a Faith Builders Jar too?
- What could you write down today that would help you grow stronger in your faith?
- How do simple actions—like prayer or kindness—make a big impact?
💬 Final Thought: Keep Persevering in Faith
As I look back on Jude 1:17–23, I’m reminded of how powerful these verses really are — especially for kids (and grown-ups!) trying to follow Jesus in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.
Jude Challenges Us To:
- 🌱 Persevere in our faith
- 🕊️ Pray in the Spirit
- 💖 Live in God’s love
- 🤝 Reach out with compassion and truth
That’s a lot packed into just a few verses! But the truth is, faith isn’t a one-time decision — it’s a lifelong journey. It’s built moment by moment, prayer by prayer, and choice by choice.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
🏗️ Our Faith Is Built to Last
Even when it’s hard, we can stand firm in God’s truth. Every time we choose to worship, to forgive, to love, to help — we’re laying another brick in our spiritual foundation.
And here’s the best part: we’re not doing it alone. We have each other. We have the Holy Spirit. We have a God who never gives up on us — and calls us to share that same love with the world.
So let’s be encouragers. Let’s build each other up. Let’s reflect God’s grace with every interaction — at school, at home, online, or in our neighborhoods.
With joy and wonder,
Ariel 💖
Keep Reading on Blogging4Adventure
- Jesus Is Enough: Avoiding Deceptive Philosophies
- Understanding 1 Corinthians 5: The Power of Tough Love
- Inspiring Faith Through Kindness and Gratitude
Pro tip for parents/teachers: link these as “next reads” so kids build a steady Bible-study trail.
Quick Check Quiz
Pick an answer for each question, then tap “Check Answers.”
Compare & Discern
| Response | What It Looks Like | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Copy the mockers | Joining in jokes, division, or pressure to “fit in.” | Faith weakens, relationships get messy. |
| Isolate completely | “I’m done. I’m hiding from everyone.” | Loneliness grows, support disappears. |
| Persevering in Faith (Jude 1:17–23) | Remember truth, build faith, pray, stay in love, help others wisely. | Steady heart, clearer choices, mercy with strength. |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Perseverance | Keeping going with God’s help, even when it’s hard. |
| Mockers | People who make fun of what’s good or holy to pull others away. |
| Build up | Strengthen something by adding steady, helpful pieces over time. |
| Compassion | Mercy that notices need and moves to help. |
| Mercy | Kindness that meets someone’s real need (even when they don’t deserve it). |
| Discernment | Wise noticing—telling what is true and helpful versus harmful. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Jesus Is Enough | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Accountability in Love (1 Corinthians 5) | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Faith That Inspires | Open |
| BibleGateway — Jude 1:17–23 (KJV) | Open |
| Enduring Word — Commentary on Jude 1 | Open |
| GotQuestions — Book of Jude Summary | Open |
Practice & Pray
Remember truth. Build faith. Pray in the Spirit. Stay in God’s love. Help others with mercy and wisdom. That’s persevering in faith—steady steps with Jesus when the world gets loud.
Printable resources: Family Study PDF • Coloring Page
Ariel — Kid Author & Faith Explorer
Homeschool writer at Blogging4Adventure, blending Bible study, family discussion, and kid-friendly learning. Posts are reviewed by Mom & Dad for clarity and safety; Scripture is cross-checked with trusted study tools.
FAQ
What does “persevering in faith” mean for kids?
Keeping close to Jesus through small steady habits—Scripture, prayer, and love-shaped choices—especially when others try to distract or mock.
How can families practice Jude 1:20–21 without stress?
Keep it tiny: read 2–3 verses, pray one short prayer each, and choose one small action (help, forgive, apologize, encourage).
How do we show mercy without approving wrong choices?
Compassion means helping someone toward truth while keeping wise boundaries. Bring in a trusted adult when something feels unsafe.
What’s a good memory verse from this passage?
Jude 1:20–21 is perfect: build faith, pray, and stay in God’s love.