Jude 1:17-25 [17] But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; [18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. [19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. [20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, [21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [22] And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. [24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, [25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
This passage makes me think of a conversation with a friend this week. What is going on is a sign of the times we are in.
Vs 18-they walk after their own lusts
Vs 19-they separate themselves
Vs 20-but ye, building up your faith
Vs 21-keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for mercy
Vs 22-having compassion, making a difference (distinction)
Vs 23-pulling them out of the fire, hating the stains of the flesh
Vs 24-God is able to keep you, and bring you into His presence with joy
Vs 25-to God be the glory, now and ever
How we respond to the sins or worldly living of others can show a difference or distinction of God’s presence in our lives.
Verse 19 talks about how they walked away.
Verse 20 talks about how you built yourself up in the faith.
Verse 21 talks about how you should keep yourself in the love of God looking for His mercy. (I think this would be His mercy for not just you but for those you are concerned about).
Verse 22 - have compassion
Strong's Definition
From G1656; to compassionate (by word or deed specifically by divine grace): - have compassion (pity on) have (obtain receive shew) mercy (on).
Thayer's Definition
1. to have mercy on
2. to help one afflicted or seeking aid
3. to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched
4. to experience mercy
When we have compassion on others, it makes a difference. It causes us to make a distinction and be an example of God’s mercy. Think about reversing the verse. And of some DON’T HAVE COMPASSION, NOT MAKNG A DIFFERENCE. By us having compassion, we are making a difference. They are seeing the love of God through us.
Mercy is a hard one for us. (Mercy-compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.) They deserve punishment. Yet God is ready to forgive them and show compassion.
Verse 24 is telling us how He is able to keep us from falling. Aren’t you glad He is there for us? He is there for them also, ready to “keep them from falling”. Pray that they will see Him and allow Him to catch them “and to present them faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”.