And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Jude 22-23

This evening after dinner with our oldest son in Louisville, we came upon a couple of emergency vehicles with their lights flashing and it helped me start with the thought from the verses above. One of the most meaningful ways we can express our love for others is to help snatch them from the fire, saving them from doubting their faith.

First, mercy in action means that we show kindness and concern to those in need. Mercy distinguishes the life of a Christian to do good by restoring others. Paul told the Galatians that those “who are spiritual should restore (the one caught up in a sin) in a spirit of gentleness. In response to the false teacher described by Jude, we are to point them back to the accurate dependence on Christ and a biblical view of our response to God’s mercy and grace.

Second, we need a healthy fear of sin ourselves. While we have compassion for the individual we must have a proper view of the consequences of following a false teacher so that we are not led down the same path.

Others allow the circumstances of life to carry them away.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

1 John 2;16

If sin (greed, sexual immorality, pride, etc.) wasn’t attractive at some level, then no one would be tempted to head off in the wrong direction, right? So, let’s remember the consequences – the broken lives, families, and relationships as we run into the fire.

Is your heart broken for those who are wandering in the darkness? What can you do?