Garde Bien … be merciful

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

Jude 22-23

The more I study Jude’s writing, the more impressed I am with its fluidity in light of the known illiteracy of the Galileans. Hmmm—inspired or what! At this point Jude reminds his friends they are not of the world, but they have a purpose in the world. I wonder if he was on the edge of the crowd of disciples when Jesus prayed His priestly prayer: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” Yet, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:15-16,18).

As we keep ourselves in God’s love ladies, we too take on the character of love. We learn to fulfill the “new command” of Jesus: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 14:34).

And love involves mercy. There were those who doubted in Jude’s time; there are those who have honest doubts now. Don’t avoid them. Be patient. Maybe begin a Bible study in your neighborhood. Be the kind of friend whose lifestyle invites conversation about the things of God.

Know your story with God so you can share it: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1Peter 3:15). You each have a story. Take the time to write it down, then share it with some friends to work out the kinks. I have a necklace of charms which remind me of all the times God has intersected my story. You could do that too.

With others, those who are heading for the pit, you might have to be rather blunt in order to snatch them from the fire. And then there are those whose corrupt practices you need to steer clear of so they do not rub off on you. Sin is sin as measured by God. But all people have dignity in the eyes of God. Remember, be gentle and respectful at all times, and above reproach. Don’t be surprised that all eyes are on you.

God’s mercy runs deep. In the end it will bring us to eternal life. In the meantime a little mercy on our part may just bring someone to Jesus.

Nancy P