Have Compassion, Making a Distinction

Jude has spoken strongly about deception.

He has warned believers to recognize false teaching, remember the apostles’ words, build themselves up in the faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and remain in the love of God.

Then he turns toward those who have been affected by error.

And his instruction is remarkably tender: “On some have compassion…”

Not everyone who struggles with truth is in the same place.

Some are doubting.
Some are confused.
Some have been deceived.
Others are moving dangerously close to destruction.

Jude tells us to make a distinction.

Spiritual discernment is not merely knowing the difference between truth and error. It is also having wisdom to understand how to respond to the person standing in front of us.

Some need patient compassion.

Others need an urgent warning.

Some need their questions answered gently.

Others need someone willing to reach into a dangerous situation and, figuratively speaking, “pull them out of the fire.”

Love does not respond identically to every person because love seeks what will truly help them.

But Jude also gives an important warning to those doing the rescuing: maintain holiness while showing mercy. We are called to reach toward those entangled in sin without becoming entangled ourselves.

Compassion does not require compromise.

We can love the person while hating what sin is doing to them. We can move toward someone in mercy while remaining firmly anchored in truth.

Jesus modeled this perfectly.

He was tender toward the confused, patient with the weak, merciful toward sinners, and uncompromising about truth. His compassion never minimized sin, and His holiness never prevented Him from reaching sinners.

That is the balance Jude calls us to.

Sometimes contending for the faith means standing firmly against error.

And sometimes it means lovingly reaching for someone who is being carried away by it.