Risk
yourselves in showing mercy – rushing in to the fire of their torment to save
them, but recognize and flee from the sin that entangles their lives. (Jude 23)
Which
people do you love enough to make you put yourself at risk? Would you risk
death for your family – maybe even your closest friends? Would you risk “being
burned” by investing in someone who doesn’t deserve your help? It may take your
money, your time, your personal attention, or an opportunity to work with you.
You may even have to go to the place where they are – even a terrible,
dangerous place.
Rescuing someone from a
fire is such a good illustration of the tremendous danger that a tormented person,
living life without God must face every day. It also makes you think of the
risk that you will face when you love that person enough to rush into their
fire to save them. That kind of reckless investment even puts you at risk of
the consequences of the sin that has them in its bondage, as you draw near and
become intimately related with these people.
For
whom will you take this great risk every day? Let your answer be, “everyone the
Lord gives me to love.” Let your love for other people take the risks that it
takes to rescue them.
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