Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.  (Jude v. 22-23)

In other words, you have to treat different people differently.

Doubters don’t need a lecture on apologetics. Questioning the goodness of God, the authenticity of the Bible, or struggling to see how Christian dogma relates to daily life can’t be solved by telling people they’re wrong.  Jude says show mercy.  When the clouds of doubt melt, they’ll remember who was good to them.

Those who are playing with fire need different treatment. Like an alcoholic whose family lovingly confronts him on the pain his addiction is causing, some sinful lifestyles are so dangerous that they threaten to burn down everything around them.  Intervene, do whatever it takes to snatch them from the fire.

Others need a strange combination of mercy and fear.  Think of the recovered alcoholic, who doesn’t judge others for drinking, but avoids being in the same room with the drink.  A little fear can be healthy, but only if it comes from a place mercy. Jude’s brother said he did not come into the world to judge it.  So we avoid evil whenever possible, but show it love and mercy.

Next time you encounter someone who doesn’t believe what you believe, get to know them. In time, you’ll learn the best way to share the truth.