Jude 1:20-25 NLT
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, [21] and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. [22] And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. [23] Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. [24] Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault. [25] All glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.
Looking back I have many regrets - so many bad decisions and wasted opportunities - thankfully God's mercy is far, far greater than my wicked, sinful and deceitful heart.
That old hymn springs to mind:
"I hate the sins that made you mourn and drove you from my breast."
What a massive work is required to bring me into Jesus' Presence without a single fault... Holy Spirit You're amazing!
You've kept me from falling away - please never stop Your precious work in my life.
May we follow the admonition to build others up in the faith and not tear them down.
It's so easy to fault find and pick holes in each other, because we are all so full of faults and failings, aren't we?
Let's rather go on "rescue missions" for those whose faith is wavering.
The passage likens it to snatching folk from the flames of judgement.
When we meet Jesus, the Holy Spirit, in some mysteriously, miraculous way will present us faultless into His Presence.
What a Day that will be.
Blessed are the merciful for they will obtain mercy!
Hallelujah!
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