“And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. “Jude 1: 22 NLT
Or
kai eleeō hos diakrinō
Which could also mean “Help the wretched ones who have separated themselves through hostility.”
When someone rises up in anger in the church and threatens the peace of the body of Christ how do you see them? Do you see a trouble maker? Do you see a demon deserving decimation? Or do you see a wretched soul that has lost so much faith that he or she can only react in pain?
The secret-slipper-inner is operating out of a place of brokeness that is being monopolized by the Devil. It is not them we are fighting against according to Ephesians chapter 6 verse 12
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
So when next that divisive one rises up in a church near you pray and ask what gift of mercy could flow from you to heal them.
In our next discussion on Jude we will get into the really hard stuff.
Lord, help me to show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Help me to pray that they may be drawn to light of truth and may the words of my heart and mouth be filled with mercy and love. Thank you, Pastor J this series truly is equipping us for the days ahead. Many blessings to you and your family!
The days ahead may be filled with trials but there is great hope for those who cling to the cross of grace and mercy!
Thanks so much for teaching us this, so that our first response can be one of prayer and mercy. God bless you, Pastor J. I have to feel that this is a really important message / series.
Thanks Deb! May the Holy Spirit use it then in many lives to prepare us for our walks!