Being Merciful

 

DEVOTION

THE LETTER OF JUDE

BEING MERCIFUL

Jude 22-25

22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

NIV

Jude is coming to his concluding remarks in his rather short and to the point letter. But before he concludes, he makes one more statement of instruction for the church. We are to be merciful to those who doubt. These people who doubt are most likely our fellow believers struggling with certain aspects of the walk of a believer. The reason we think they are believers is Jude next tells us to snatch others from the fire and save them. These have to be those who have not yet believed as their destiny, if not saved, will be the eternal lake of burning sulfur, the fire. Yet they may be the seekers, aware of the conviction of the Spirit, but have not yet be led to faith in Jesus Christ. As to the other class of people, those whose clothing is stained by corrupted flesh, we cannot be certain as to who they are. However, in reading the Greek interlinear these segments of society seem a little clearer. It reads: "to some have compassion making a difference, to others save them out of fire pulling them even with fear, hating even the by the flesh spotted by garment." This would then infer there is only two class of people we need to show mercy. This translation divides them into three, but it seems there are both two. Either way, the point is, we should show mercy to those who have not yet believed, that are living on the path to destruction, even the worst of sinners if there is a category of sin. Mercy should be the lifestyle of us believers, as we are living on the path of God, and making every effort learning and growing in being more like Jesus. Jesus showed compassion, mercy on all who he came in contact with, except, of course, the demons. Jesus even reached out in compassion to the lepers, the outcasts, the poor and downtrodden, those who were broken, who had no hope. He healed them all, whoever came to him, he took the time to see them, to listen to their need, and he showed them mercy. Dare we do any differently? Are we so busy with our own wants and desires pursuing them relentlessly, that we do not have time to show mercy to the less fortunate souls who are still living on the path which leads to destruction? How can we idly stand by, so focused on self, while they are headed to the fire? Showing mercy may just be the key to saving them, pulling them from that flame which is licking at their heels. There may be various ways in which we can demonstrate mercy or compassion, but it still boils down to bringing help to the wretched and the gospel is the help they need, but just as with Jesus, he healed them while showing them the truth. So let us live with mercy in our hearts to both our fellow believers and to those who are suffering without hope.