Mercy Three

"And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies."

(Jude 22-23)

The author of Jude is seeking to encourage the believers to keep the faith, hold fast to the truth, and resist those seeking to divide their community. The very last instructions (in this short, 25-verse letter) deal with having mercy and saving 3 groups of people. The first two are 1) those who are wavering (in faith)... and 2) those "in the fire" (ie. caught up in trouble). As for the 3rd group, it's not clear exactly who they are (the NRSV notes that the Greek text itself here is unclear!). I think it's referring to those that some may feel are already "too far gone" - yet, we're called to have mercy on them, though hating their actions.

To me, this is a huge dose of GRACE at the end of a short but foreboding letter. We all know folks who are "wavering" in their faith. Rather than being disappointed or frustrated by their state, have mercy! From youth (who are searching for what role faith may play in their life)... to young adults (who are often questioning & challenging the faith they grew up with)... to adults dealing with children, "empty nesters," retirees, and those in their "golden years" (or is it "silver years?!")... they all have issues that affect their faith. Be patient with them all, our author says.

We're called not to "mind our own business" when we see those in trouble, but may indeed be called to "snatch them out of the fire." To me that literally means intervening in their lives to get them out of destructive behavior/situations. Sometimes we may feel inclined not to get involved... but it could be a tremendous act of love & mercy to snatch someone out of the fire!

Finally, there are those other folks that everyone knows are "no good." The ones we all hate/despise. Those who live as though they're allergic to goodness & kindness. We can also have mercy on them, without supporting/encouraging their behavior ("hate the tunic defiled by their bodies"). Too often even the most dedicated disciples separate themselves from those kinds of people. Could it be there are other ways to engage them? How can we show mercy even when we completely disagree with their choices and/or way of life?

PRAYER: We love retribution, Lord... for others (not us, of course)! Give us a heart of love and mercy... a passion to see GRACE recklessly & abundantly spread to all! Thank you for the patience & courage we need to live out this passage from Jude, showering mercy to those who need it most. AMEN.