Merciful Rescue

Jude 22-23 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.
 
JUDE encourages the church to extend mercy to church members who are influenced by the false teachers. With his reference to those who doubt, he is concerned for the believers who might ask of the teachings, “Did God really say?”(See Genesis 3:3.) They have heard God’s gospel and are striving to obey, but a lie has caused some doubt. Jude urges the church members to show mercy to those with questions. One reason we join Bible studies is to keep the truth firmly on our minds. When people have questions and even doubt what the Bible says, we are to be knowledgeable, patient and merciful with the truth. This was Jesus’ way to teach his closest disciples who often did not immediately understand him. Matthew 13:36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
    There were others the church needed to snatch from the fire. Those in the spiritual fire were church members coming under the false teachers’ influence nearly to the point of denying their faith. Jude urged merciful hearts to have empathy and pray for them. Jude’s brother James said it this way: James 5:19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
    Jude warns, also, of the danger in this work. Do not allow yourself to be caught in the same trap. With persuasive words, they can entice you into the lie. Be very careful. With a measure of mercy, mixed with fear be aware of your danger. You must be alert. Reject their clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Do not “put on” their hearts stained with doubt and indecision regarding Jesus. James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  
 
Life Thought: Keep running to the Savior.