MERCIFUL CONFRONTATION

We are called to reach out to those who are under the influence of false teaching. Instead of merely taking a defensive posture concerning the faith, Christians must boldly come to the aid of all who've fallen prey to counterfeit belief systems. Their inability to separate truth from error allows the deceptive edicts of ungodly men to take root in the heart. 

Three groups are targeted in the following scripture. There is not a clear consensus as to whether they are believers, unbelievers, or a combination of both. Regardless, Jude's instructions apply to anyone ensnared by apostate doctrines ...

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23

First ... Don't reject or ignore those who struggle with doubt. By being merciful, you may witness a spiritual restoration take place. It would be easy for the faithful to shun or lambaste the 'wavering'. But mercy is far more likely to keep them within the fold than the delivery of a harsh rebuke. 

Second ... We must not give up on those who are on the very precipice of ruin. Lives can still be salvaged when we snatch them from the fire that threatens to destroy them. They have started out on the wrong path and have to be stopped (sometimes forcibly). You may say that we should allow men their freedom, that they have a right to do what they want ... but they are in the 'flames that destroy the soul'. Pull them out before they perish.

Third ... Others are steeped in depravity, having already been defiled by false teaching; this group has moved so far from 'the faith' that they have become a danger to true believers. They are so polluted that they can only be dealt with through 'cautious compassion' ... carefully avoid the contamination wrought by their sinful conduct. Despite the depth of their decline, Jude says that they are to be shown mercy. 'Clothing stained' refers to their iniquity; it is vitally important to retain a hatred for sin, even as we show grace to the sinner.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5

Before you attempt to rescue others, you must first be strong in your own faith. Be sure that your feet are firmly planted on solid ground before you throw the buoy to a man who is drowning.