Mercy, Accountability, and Mercy (Again)

- Pastor Dawson Oquist

“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” – Jude 22-23 (NIV)

The early church was made up of house churches. Each of these churches was an intimate group of families and individuals from all walks of life. Whether rich or poor, slave or free, from a religious or non-religious background, you would meet in a living room or courtyard and discover more about Jesus in the community. In these communities, they would keep each other accountable and protect each other from false teachings trying to undermine the church.

Jude reminds this church to continue to correct and support one another by "snatching them from the fire." They're called to help keep their fellow believers on the right track. In addition, he bookends this call to accountability with a call to show mercy. Our correction of one another is through the lens of compassion and fear of God.

In today's churches, we aren't as intertwined as they were in the time of Jude. However, we are still called to help keep each other on track through mercy and fear of God. This goes beyond hearing a sermon on a Sunday; it requires close relationships and honest accountability.

Make a Difference:

Who keeps you on track in your walk with Jesus? Who are you helping with grace and fear?

As You Read:

As we move into the final days of this challenge, we mustn’t hustle through to the end. Peter, John, Jude, and Revelation have opportunities to teach us something about ourselves.