Be Merciful to Those Who Doubt Or Have Been “Stained”
As the traditional church year comes to an end this Sunday, we look also to the end of all years when Christ returns.
In a world where unexpected threats can appear, “preparedness” is the key. First, you prepare yourself, of course. But it would be unloving to be ready yourself, and then just watch as others flounder in the face of problems you know how to handle. In preparedness courses those who are in the know pass on their expertise to those who need it. Courses exist for practically any situation: natural disasters, winter weather hazards, cybersecurity, disease outbreaks, and many more. You name it. There’s likely a course for it.
Jude wants us to build ourselves up in the most holy faith (v.20) in preparedness for eternal life in Jesus. Then he also encourages us to . . . . help others who doubt (v.22) and who have been stained by corrupted flesh (v.23). We don’t want anyone to flounder as they await the return of Christ.
We especially think of those who have been in the church, and who maybe continue in the church, but have some weak areas, or have been led away into temptation by false teachings or a lifestyle that opposes the Word.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (Jude 22-23)
Jude himself, as one of Jesus’ brothers, must have not believed in him at one point (John 7:5). He was shown mercy by God, brought to faith, and became an author of a New Testament book.
We have a responsibility of compassion and love in Christ to our family of believers. Listen to their doubts and take them to the Word. Snatch them from the fire if necessary. We’ve been given mercy in Jesus. Be merciful in taking the time to encourage others in their spiritual struggles.