he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (end of Romans 12:8)
When we look at mercy; or compassion and related service there really is no detail that we can grasp as how to demonstrate this virtue. Prophecy has the evidence of a specific prediction and verification of an event; teaching has scripture and related facts that can be expounded; tongues has specific rules in great detail as to when and how to apply and interpret; etc. Many will list the attributes along with expected tendencies for getting spiritually derailed if not balanced; particularly with this gift but we have to avoid subjectivity here.
Jude verses 20:23 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.
22And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; 23save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
It behooves us to study this more detailed application of mercy (although it isn't defined as a spiritual gift in this passage).
First we see perseverence and the reward that comes through such actions as stated elsewhere in scripture as a backdrop.
The mercy here is sort of like it was for Noah or Lot; God would deliver us before the wrath to come on the earth to present ourselves in a new body; and without spot or wrinkle should we be qualified to be in the Rapture as I see it; others may disagree.
The second verse has been traditionally interpreted as ministering to those who are in the church but perhaps immature; but certainly it could extend to those seeking the truth. The next verse (23) indicates an interesting and perhaps most poignant point for discussion; that of the fear of God and not wanting to associate ourselves with the sins of others and be tempted ourselves. The fear of the Lord should motivate mercy not merely emotions
When we look at mercy; or compassion and related service there really is no detail that we can grasp as how to demonstrate this virtue. Prophecy has the evidence of a specific prediction and verification of an event; teaching has scripture and related facts that can be expounded; tongues has specific rules in great detail as to when and how to apply and interpret; etc. Many will list the attributes along with expected tendencies for getting spiritually derailed if not balanced; particularly with this gift but we have to avoid subjectivity here.
Jude verses 20:23 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.
22And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; 23save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
It behooves us to study this more detailed application of mercy (although it isn't defined as a spiritual gift in this passage).
First we see perseverence and the reward that comes through such actions as stated elsewhere in scripture as a backdrop.
The mercy here is sort of like it was for Noah or Lot; God would deliver us before the wrath to come on the earth to present ourselves in a new body; and without spot or wrinkle should we be qualified to be in the Rapture as I see it; others may disagree.
The second verse has been traditionally interpreted as ministering to those who are in the church but perhaps immature; but certainly it could extend to those seeking the truth. The next verse (23) indicates an interesting and perhaps most poignant point for discussion; that of the fear of God and not wanting to associate ourselves with the sins of others and be tempted ourselves. The fear of the Lord should motivate mercy not merely emotions
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