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Jude 1:22-23 "And convince some, who doubt; save some, by snatching them out of the fire; on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

 

Convincing some who doubt seems doable to me, I think I have even been successful at it on occasion. But snatching people out of the fire, having mercy with fear, and hating the garments "spotted by the flesh" can seem a bit overwhelming to me.

 

I avoid getting too close to the fire, I have been in it myself and fear getting pulled back in. I also avoid offending or instilling fear in people, although Jude is right that it can be a mercy. Finally, the word "hate" has been so vilified that it seems wrong to admit to hating anything, but again, Jude is right that we should hate sin and the garments spotted by it.

 

I need to pray for more of a backbone. I need to trust that the God who loves us all will send His Holy Spirit to be with me as I approach the fire to extend a hand to those engulphed in it; as I speak of God's mercy and the necessity of seeking it, even if that gives offense or instills fear; and as I feel distaste and even hatred for sin and what it does to people. All of these are necessary, Jude says, as we confront "the scoffers, following their own ungodly passions ... who set up divisions ... [and are] devoid of the Spirit." (Jude 1:18-19).

 

These "worldly people", as Jude calls them, have set fires that are spreading almost out of control. The Holy Spirit wants to spread a fire of His own, the fire of God's love, and He will do it through us as long as we trust Him and don't fear fire, nor the scorn and judgment of the ungodly.