A Very Simple Model

Scripture: Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners. Jude 1:22-23

Observation: Jude summarizes his instruction on interacting with non-believers in two verses. He structures this lesson in this manner:

- Intro ... Simply "help" those who argue against Christianity

--- Summary ... Show mercy to doubters

----- Method 1 ... In a few cases, fight against hell itself for their redemption

----- Method 2 ... In most cases, let them discover God's love by your kindness

--- Caution ... In engaging with non-believers, don't fall into the ways of the world

- Conclusion ... Hate sin, but love sinners

Application: I wish this could be summarized in every modern church, for it is so clear, so accurate, so simple ... and so not what most Christians try to do. Instead, we fight the world, denounce worldly actions that oppose Christ's teaching, publicly argue about sinful trends, and pronounce among ourselves the future curse upon the world. We do this while lamenting the world and longing for - and often actively pursuing - worldly possessions and comforts.

Jude made this simple. How am I doing at this simple model? I feel I have grown in this over the past few years. I feel I tend to respond with mercy toward doubters and those who actively argue against Christianity, I try to show them kindness, and have learned to separate the idea of sinful behavior from the person whom God loves despite their sin. However, I do love elements of the world, and I often return to my private home with anger and despair for our world that itself translates to anger toward certain individuals and groups.

I must continue to show - and truly feel - help, mercy, and kindness toward those who doubt Jesus. I must fight find the Lord's wisdom to fight against sin, but never fight against people, for I myself am a sinner (and far worse than many who don't believe). I should continue to improve in following Jude's very simple model.

Prayer: Lord, you ask so little of us as your people. You ask me to simply be kind to others, and in so doing to tell them of Jesus. You ask me not to sin, to show a certain hate toward sin, but to never direct that hate at a person. You ask me to just love. Please help me to do just that one thing better, for I know your will and your kingdom follows from just that attitude of love. Amen.