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 22-23 NIV)
In the Book of Jude, we are given
instruction on dealing with people who are straying from the truth. We are to show mercy to all, but it appears
that with ones departing from the righteousness, there are different methods in
responding to them. One size does not
seem to fit all.
God instructs us in this little book
that we must distinguish between those straying from the Lord who are weak or
wavering in their faith, and those who are willful in their sinful
actions. Compassion must be extended to
those whose actions are motivated by a lack of knowledge. Without sensitivity, we can crush those who
are struggling in their faith through doubt.
But for others there appears to be a different way of helping them. Those who are making conscious choices
against the will of God, a dose of the fear of the Lord, helping them to see
the consequences of their decisions, may be what is needed. Being overly
compassionate to those who are presuming on the grace of God is like pouring
gasoline on fire. The New LivingTranslation says that we should show mercy, but with great caution, hating
their sins. There is a point with some
people, though we love them, where we must hate their sin. In not doing so, we risk being contaminated
by their sin and compromising our faith.
Truth can heal, or truth can kill. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV that we
must rightly divide the word of truth.
Mercy is administered differently to weak and willful sinners.
Ken
Barnes the author of “The Chicken Farm and Other Sacred Places” YWAM Publishing
Email: kenbarnes737@gmail.com
website: https://sites.google.com/site/kenbarnesbooksite/
Email: kenbarnes737@gmail.com
website: https://sites.google.com/site/kenbarnesbooksite/
Podcasts: http://kensblogpodcast.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment