The Attitude That Those Who Are Firm In Faith Should Take Towards The Waverers (Jude 1:22-23).
Jude now reminds them that while the building of themselves up is of prime concern, that should also lead to showing concern for those who appear to be falling short. It is, however, to be done with discrimination. Each person must be approached considering what their need might be. Some are merely doubters, standing on the edge of things, and need to be shown compassion and concern. Others are dithering and need to have some pressure put on them. Still others are well involved in sin and need to be made aware of their danger, while at the same time those who would help them must ‘consider themselves lest they also be tempted' (Galatians 6:1) or be defiled in some other way.
‘And on some have mercy, who are in doubt. And some save, snatching them out of the fire. And on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.'
· ‘And on some have mercy, who are in doubt.' While ensuring the maintenance of their own spiritual position, they are to show concern for any who do not have their assurance. Where there are some whose faith is shaky so that they are in doubt they are to approach them with mercy and compassion, gently assisting them to faith in the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
· ‘And some save, snatching them out of the fire.' Others they are to save by snatching them out of the fire of which they are in danger (Jude 1:7) by any means possible, such as earnest prayer and firm entreatment, or by putting on spiritual pressure..
· ‘And on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.' And to some they are to show mercy by filling them with fear as to what is to come on them if they do not turn from their ways, and this because they are genuinely concerned that they should be pure and clean and hate them being defiled.
Alternately it may mean that they themselves, while seeking to have mercy on them and save them, should do it with careful concern lest in helping them they themselves might become defiled. For in the end we must never let our concern for others interfere with our own spiritual standing and state so that we compromise our own position (see for example 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). We must keep our own garments pure. Maintaining the glory of God and of Christ must always be our first concern.