Be merciful to those who doubt…
Jude continues to give us his advice. Perhaps what he says sounds surprising. After all, he has spent the larger part of his letter warning us against the ungodly. Now he says, “Be merciful to those who doubt…” Could it be that he is worried some might confuse doubting with being ungodly?
It is a fair question. If you have spent any time at all reading this blog you know that I have a lot of questions! And if ever there is a quiet moment, I can come up with more questions at the drop of a hat.
Many times during my life, my questions have been perceived as doubt. Some have taken my questions as an attack on their beliefs.
At one point in my career, I was a field inspector for a city engineering department. My job involved being at construction sites to ensure that what was built complied with city approved specifications. The work was not hard as a rule, but there were times that it seemed rather dangerous. Questioning what someone is doing, if seen as a threat, could result in an eruption of anger. Interestingly, the more suspicious the circumstances, the greater the anger in response.
If anger is a cover for trying to cut corners in construction, is it also a cover for cutting corners with one’s theology? The Pharisees seemed to fall into this category. Time and time again they were challenged by what Jesus said and did. Instead of approaching Jesus with an attitude of serving God and Truth, they came with an attitude that expected others to defer to them because of who they were.
If questioning someone is seen as a threat, responding in anger is a confession of guilt. If questioning someone is only a desire to know the Truth, then anger has no place in the conversation.
Those who walk in the light, who love God the Father and are kept for Jesus Christ, who share in salvation and who contend for the faith welcome questions. They are a sign of interest. They reflect an open heart.
Application: Delight in doubt! Approach questions as an opportunity for spiritual growth in both yourself and the one who has doubts.
Food for Thought: If someone expresses doubt that Jesus is God, how would you respond?
Hopefully I would respond with gentleness, respect, grace, keeping a clear conscience and with a voice “season as with salt.” But a response is necessary.
1 Peter 3: 15 – 17: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Colossians 4: 5 – 6: Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Thank you, Rich!
In my experience you have always been a gentle and respectful voice. I have valued that aspect of you many times and I deeply respect you for it.
I love the visual of “seasoning with salt” our answers to those who doubt! Good stuff
Great comments. When I have been questioned about the veracity of the Bible, I try to use scripture to respond. “The Bible says” is always a better answer than “I think.” For most folks (JWs excluded (witnessing to them is a topic of its own)), they can argue about whether they believe the Bible or not, but not about what it says. We are to spread the Word…it’s not ours to make folks believe what the says. If we don’t know an answer to a question, “I don’t know” is a better answer than getting upset. I have had teens in my class ask me questions that I had to research before I could give them an answer. I’m done rambling now.
JEC,
Your “rambling” is good reading! 🙂 Your point about using Scripture as a response is very important. When we step away from Scripture we risk becoming the authority in place of God.
Great stuff guy’s, I try treating all contacts as being the Will of God, and there is no substitute for humble obedience, to Allow the Holy Spirit, Christ in you to rule your conversation. We see Jesus, against all Jewish beliefs, talking with a Samaritan Woman at the Well, John 4:1-42. The result was he stayed with the Samaritans two days and many more believed. “Humble obedience to God in all situations will conquer our flesh and allow Jesus Christ to minister as He knows best.”
Each person is different, requires special attention. Let Christ handle it.
Ron,
I love the reminder about the Woman at the Well! Jesus was undeterred by “social expectations” and reached out to all of Creation as God intends.
👍🏻
Great comments everyone.