20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Jude 20-23
Jude 20-23
Maintaining faith is not what God has called us to. He has called us to a faith that builds us up. This kind of faith keeps us praying in the Spirit. It keeps us grounded in God’s love, realizing that it is the Lord’s mercy that brings us eternal life. It is in this state of prayerful love we can reach out to help others.
God desires us to be merciful to each other is in a way that surpasses religious requirements. Like Him we need to be open to those who are broken and looking for THE HEALER. That means we will hang out with them. Let me give a little caveat. This does not mean we are deeply connected to people who embrace sin. It does mean that we will connect with any who are ready to repent and start over.
Christ expects us to pull others from the fire regardless of their past lifestyle. He warns us against tight relationship with those who are pursuing the world, the flesh or those who are still cooperating with the enemy. Mercy is for those who are admitting their sinful life is wrong AND repenting (changing their behaviors by changing their hearts). Avoidance is for those who will not repent. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. (Jude 22-23) Jesus did not come to just befriend us. He came to heal us.
His Mercy Saves!
Pastor Jason
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