Doubt and mercy

Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.          Jude 22.23

People may not be totally convinced on hearing the message. And people may be led into doubt by false prophets even after they have been walking with the Lord. Those who do not doubt are asked to show mercy to the doubters.

Doubt and, of course, sheer disbelief lead people on the road to hell where the destination is the fire. Believers are encouraged to snatch unbelievers from the fire. I believe we can do this by faith for salvation, in prayer and supplication as well as through practical loving.

There are yet others whose very clothing bears the stain of corruption – and all clothing is stained. I would choose to wear clothing stained with the imprint of an aroma pleasing to God. Those whose stain is the stain of sin we are told to treat mercifully, but with a mercy mixed with fear. We are all vulnerable to this stain. We must remember always that sin is abhorrent. The sinner we may love and show mercy to, but there is no place for mercy in respect to the sin. All sin is condemned in the eyes of the Lord, and our task is to seek the release of the sinner from the sin, release into life-giving relationship with Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

Lord God,

I bring before You family, friends and acquaintances who do not walk with You daily in a love relationship of salvation. They do not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

I cry out for them, Lord. I seek Your mercy for them. I pray that they will be snatched from the fire. I ask boldly for salvation for them.

I pray also for those of us who do know You and have received Jesus, yet we continue to fall foul of sin.

Lord God, hear my prayer. Reach out to us all and set us free. Draw us to Jesus. Free us to Him, in His precious name I ask.                  Amen.