Dec 17 – Doubt
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.
As children we doubt. We doubt because we don’t know any better. But as we grow in age and experience, we trust more and more because we see that God is in control and he works things out for his good will.
Jude talks of the ‘Last Times’, the last days, Jude says there will be scoffers, doubter; people who don’t know where they are or what they are facing. But Jude tell us to build ourselves up in our faith and pray. So we will know where we are, what we are and whose we are.
And how do we do that? We spend time in God’s word. Fellowship with other Christians. Serve God’s church. Worship the Lord and be of service to others. And he tells us to have mercy on those who doubt. Not to look down on them or avoid them. Not to give up on them. But to try to snatch them from ‘the flames’; from certain judgment. Try to teach them, try to encourage them.
For as scripture tells us, there will be more rejoicing over the one that was saved than over the many that didn’t need to be saved. But Jude calls us to again show them mercy mixed with fear. Lest they drag us down with them, we have to try to lift them up without letting them corrupt us with their doubts. Thereby bringing a lost lamb back to the fold.
God, we admit that we have much in common with those who doubt. We aren’t sure of everything, but we know for sure that you have snatched us from the fire. Help us to share that work of mercy with others.
Bobby Jones