Theme: COMMENTARY ON THE BOOK OF JUDE
Text: “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. And convince some, who doubt; save some, by snatching them out of the fire; on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”. – Jude 22, 23.
Comment: Because members of the Christian community are under constant attack from the devil who is determined to scatter them, the brothers and sisters, have to help one another. While it is possible for many to be persecuted at the same time, it is not possible, by the grace of God, that all would fall. Those who are strong in faith at each time should help to bear the infirmities of the weak by way of highlighling their failings and correcting them rather than ignoring them and waiting for them to fall into the pit. (Galatians 6:1) It is a sin for one to turn a blind eye to the sins being committed by a brother or a sister in the Church. God Almighty declared: “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” – Leviticus 19:17.
However the manner in which the correction is given is also important. The correction should not be given as if to an enemy; rather he should be admonished as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:15) A youth should not sharply rebuke an elderly brother or sister. He should correct him or her as a father or a mother. (1 Timothy 5:1, 2) It was on this score that St. Paul exhorted us thus: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” – Romans 15:1. See also James 5:19-20