SOAP Devotional 2014-07-16

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SOAP Devotional 2014-07-16

Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer

Scripture:

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. (‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭22-23‬ NLT)

Observation:

Don’t abandon others, but show mercy to those who are struggling with faith, rescue others by pulling them away from the flames of judgment, and show mercy for those who are deep in sins that contaminate their lives, but be careful not to accept the sin while loving the sinner.

Application:

Sometimes you just want to tell people to just straighten up and do right, but that is not usually effective with someone struggling with their faith. For those we need to remind them that God’s mercy is still sufficient for them even where they are right now. There are others who the direct approach is about the only thing that will prevent them from going straight to hell. Others are involved in sin and usually trying to justifying that their sin is acceptable, with them we show them God’s love and mercy while making sure that they understand that we do not accept the sin. We must rely on wisdom from God when we are determining which approach to use with people. Not everything reaches everyone, but these three give a good starting reference.

Prayer:

Father, help me to never do “cookie cutter” ministry. Let me be sensitive to your guidance on how to deal with people who are not walking with you as they should. Mercy for the struggling, straight forward with those on the edge, and lovingly not condoning of those who are deep in sins that contaminate their lives. Give me wisdom Lord so that none perish around me.

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