Compassion Makes the Difference

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 20-23

The word compassion here means to have pity upon or to have mercy upon. Jude challenges us to build up our faith, to pray, and to keep ourselves in the love of God. As we do these things, we will grow stronger in faith, in prayer, and in our relationship with the Lord. But what are we to do with our newfound strength? We are to have compassion on others, particularly those who do not yet know the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. If we as Christians are to have compassion on the lost, we must first notice them and take knowledge of their spiritual condition. When Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion (Matthew 9:36). Sometimes we fail to help people because we simply don’t notice them. Second, we must tell them the good news that Christ loves them and paid for their sins on Calvary. In Ephesians 6:15, the Christian’s armor includes having our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” We need to always be ready to share our faith. Third, we must show them what it means to have a personal relationship with the Lord. People are often not affected by what we say until they see what we do. In the life of a fruitful Christian, compassion makes the difference.