Mercy . . . With Caution

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

It is easy to find fault with others (and Jude does). The challenge is to do what is right and helpful. The end of this short letter is a call for us to reach out in mercy—to those who doubt, to those in the fire (usually of their own making) and to those who live in the bog of ungodliness. It is good to reach out in mercy, but you must work to stay strong in Jesus and connected to the church—because you will be tempted to slide into their lifestyle and attitudes rather than their being lifted up to yours. Don’t every take your faith for granted; many before you have walked away from it.