Jude 1:22 (NLT): “And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.”
Jude 1:22 (MSG): “Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith.”
Often we think that the Bible, God, and Christianity in general are very hard on those who struggle with doubt and those who fall away from the faith. It is certain that in some cases we are told to confront, rebuke, and at times even avoid those who turn away from the message of the Gospel. But this verse in Jude, and the general tone and message of the whole Bible, demonstrate that God is very gentle to those who are experiencing doubt, areas of uncertainty, and even temptation and sin.
The pinnacle of the Gospel of Matthew is the Great Commission. Jesus had done years of ministry and miracles. He had been crucified and buried. He had risen on the third day as prophesied, and revealed Himself many times to the disciples and others. On the mountain as Jesus is about to ascend and speaks his departing words over his disciples Matthew 28:17 (NLT) states, “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him—but some of them doubted!”
I absolutely love this verse. It reveals how real the Bible is and the brutal honesty of the Gospel. If this were a myth or a carefully constructed tale of a fictional King, would the main characters—the King’s closest followers—have doubt at the very end of the story? Of course not; it’s almost ridiculous, except that it is so accurate to the human story. Even those who had seen miracles, who knew Jesus personally, who were standing there listening to the words of a man that was dead just a few weeks earlier, experienced doubt.
The doubt in the disciples did not deter Jesus from commissioning them with the command to spread the message. Likewise, it did not disqualify those who heard the commission. It simply reveals the reality that part of faith is dealing with doubt. It reveals that Jesus is able to overcome doubt if we stick around and let Him do His holy work in us.
Yes, there are times when we confront others, or even ourselves. But often, if not most often, we need to show mercy, go easy, and be gentle on others and ourselves when doubts arise. If doubt didn’t stop the Twelve from birthing the church and beginning the work of the Great Commission, doubt will not stop us from continuing this amazing call we’ve been given.