The urgency of salvation and rescuing others
Jude 1:23(NLT) 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.
This verse conveys the message that some individuals are on a path that leads to judgment. To emphasise the severity and urgency of the situation, these people are reminded of the flames of judgement. Turn or burn.
For Believers, this calls for a proactive approach in sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, essentially ‘rescuing’ them from a dire fate.
Proverbs 24:11(NIV) Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
Ezekiel 3:18-19(NIV) When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.
Show mercy to still others.
There are some individuals who are in spiritual danger but may not be fully aware of it, or may be hesitant to change their ways. Believers are encouraged to approach these individuals with mercy and compassion, understanding that they may be ensnared by sin or deception.
Galatians 6:1(NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
2 Timothy 2:25-26(NIV) Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Hate sin but love the sinner
It’s crucial for Believers to love and care for the individual, while at the same time recognise and oppose the sin that harms them. It’s a call for discernment: loving the sinner but hating the sin.
Psalm 97:10(NIV) Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Romans 12:9(NIV) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
I conclude that as a Believer, our mission is not only to share the Gospel, but also to do so with a heart full of love, and an approach grounded in wisdom.