Jude:20-23 (NIV)
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 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.
James Chapter 2: Verse 13 (NIV)
Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The overriding tone in this portion of Jude’s letter is showing mercy to others. The online dictionary of Oxford languages defines mercy as “compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.”
In his letter it seems that people with opposing beliefs had infiltrated into congregation that Jude was writing to and he cautions his readers to stand firm without deviating from the truth, yet he also tells them of the need to show mercy, particularly to those whose faith is wavering, in the same way that Jesus has shown mercy. He takes a very similar tone to that which we see quoted by his brother James. Perhaps that’s because they saw it firsthand in their brother Jesus. We need to remember that we are all different, and what causes a difficulty for some may be different to others. We need always to be able to encourage and uphold others to make sure that they, and we, continue to stand firm in our faith. But Jude says we must do so without compromise and do it with discernment and integrity, so that we ourselves are not affected by the sin of those we are seeking to help. And we must be quick to show the same mercy that we ourselves have received and seen in Jesus, just as His brothers Jude and James did.
Dear Lord,
I am so grateful for the mercy You have shown to me when I deserved punishment for my behaviour. Help me to be an encourager to those who doubt and ready to show mercy as openly as I have been shown it. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.