Dealing WIth Doubt

This morning as I was quieting myself I heard the word "doubt".  I know this is sometimes coupled with unbelief, and fear.  However I wanted to take some time to look its use in scripture.  I looked up the different uses of it in the New Testament and saw the following verses in the Letter from Jude, the apostle James' brother.

Jude 1:17-23 NIV:

[17] "But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. [18] They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” [19] These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

[20] But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21] keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

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

As we look at these verses, I am encouraged by the heart expressed by Jude.  It seems to me that we often lose our kind, gentle and compassionate heart when we deal with other members of the Body of Christ that are struggling.  Jude doesn't say anything about judging here, but he certainly expresses an ability to identify and help those who are struggling.

David Guzik had these comments in his Bible commentary:

"And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

a. On some have compassion: What do we do with those who have been influenced by these certain men? We need to make a distinction, based on where they are coming from. Certainly, on some have compassion.

i. Using wisdom, we approach different people in different manners. By being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we can know when we should comfort, and when we should rebuke. Christians should not abandon a friend flirting with false teaching. They should help him through it in love.

ii. The means we keep loving them. No matter how bad a person is, or how misleading and terrible their doctrine, we are not allowed to hate them - or to be unconcerned for their salvation.

iii. Compassion often means watching over someone, helping them with accountability. "Meantime watch over others as well as yourselves; and give them such help as their various needs require." (Wesley)

b. Others save with fear: This second group must be confronted more strongly - but in fear, not in a sanctimonious superiority. You may need to pull them out of the fire, but never do it in pride.

c. This outward look is important. Are you only concerned for your own spiritual welfare? Or do you care about other Christians who may be edging towards significant error?"

It is right for us to be concerned with one another.  It is right to love one another.  It is right and good to converse and discuss our beliefs and ideas and concerns.  It is important that we maintain a heart of mercy and compassion for our brothers and sisters.  As I write this I am reminded of the many times it said the disciples and Apostles didn't understand what Jesus was saying.  He didn't blast them for their inability, but rather entrusted them to the Holy Spirit, knowing that He is very capable of helping them to understand in time.

We who have more experience in the Lord must not look down on those new believers.  We need to make sure that we are ready to help however much is needed.  Let us love one another, for love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).  Let us deal gently with those that doubt, those that struggle, those that are young in their faith, and those who have been raised with different beliefs. This includes ourselves.

Amen.