Jude 1: 22 Show mercy toward those
who have doubts; 23 save others by snatching them out of the
fire; and to others show mercy mixed with fear, but hate their very clothes,
stained by their sinful lusts.
============
After passing the car
that was going at a high speed, I felt satisfied. I “won” the competition that
the other driver never knew he or she was competing. I eased back from my high
speed but still went along at a nice clip. Miles later, I saw a car following
me. Police lights went flashing behind. “You were speeding and I should write
you a ticket” but I am going to let you off this time” were the shocking words
of mercy.
- I was clearly in the wrong.
- I deserved to get a judgment against me.
- I received mercy because I was told what I did was wrong and I was let go.
Jude gives his
final instruction to believers. He tells everyone to “Show mercy.” He also knew
how difficult this would be. To state the problem and to state the grace that
is being shown is hard to do when the situation is highly emotional. Jude
mentions the stakes by saying the believer would be “snatching them out of the
fire.”
My Observations:
- GOD showed mercy to me by letting me know I am a sinner saved y HIS grace.
- GOD could have held everything against me, but instead HE saved me in spite of me.
- GOD does not like the sins I do, so HE looks inside my heart and cleans it with HIS compassion.
Showing mercy takes
courage. I mean, the first part of mercy is to let him or her know the problem,
then the grace. Mercy can be extended without expectation that he or she will
accept it or change in front of your eyes. GOD has a plan.
HE sees the problem
and guides people who need mercy to places that are broken. HE then opens their
eyes to the brokenness and helps him or her ask for mercy versus demanding it.
Jude’s advice is to be wise and be ready to show mercy when the moment is
right. I am glad GOD shows mercy to you and me.
Challenge
- Who does the writer recommend to show mercy to?
- Have you ever been the benefactor of mercy?
- Will you ask GOD for the right “graceful” words to carefully explain the problem and to extend mercy for the sake of growing GOD’s kingdom today?
No comments:
Post a Comment