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"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)
Jude teaches us that we, the church, have a part to play in helping others in their spiritual growth. We need the church, or as Toby Mac sings, "I could use a little church right now." Church life should include discipleship and accountability and not just a casual hello every week or every month. I read recently that two practical ways to be a better churchman are: first, come hungry and leave full, and second, come early and stay late. I like that.
We have an active part to play in our spiritual development and in the spiritual growth of others in the church. Are you doing your part? It takes energy, time, commitment, and preparation. I think of my days training for marathons and triathlons. It would have been absurd for me to think I could do those grueling races without putting in the hours of training. If I wanted to finish well, I had to train well. We can do this with other believers; they can help us, and we can help them grow.
Who are the "some" and "others" to which Jude refers in these verses? I think it could be either believers or unbelievers. For the believers who are struggling with sin, doubting, and needing help, we are to have much grace and compassion for them. Sometimes we need to directly intervene. At our church, we really try to help those who are stumbling and struggling in their faith. Our pastoral staff and deacons, with tough love, intervene to the best of their ability to help stop such people from destroying their lives, get plugged into resources to start healing and overcoming strongholds in their lives, and start walking with Jesus in Christian community that includes both support and accountability.
If these "some" and "others" are unbelievers, we should take an active role in their spiritual lives as well. For some, we need to lovingly and compassionately present the Gospel to them. I think of doing this especially with children. One writer says, "Some unbelievers will be won to Christ through tenderness and demonstration of compassion." (The Believer's Study Bible, p. 1797)
For others, we are to pull them out of the fire and hate what has been defiled by the flesh. Notice we do not hate the sinner, but we do hate sin, because we know from experience what sin does to humanity: it hurts us in this life and condemns us to eternal hell if we never receive Jesus' forgiveness.
Let us follow Jude's advice and seek to help others. Let us also remember Solomon's sage advice: "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter." (Proverbs 24:11)
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