Tender to Sinners

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Praise Builds Up

Jude 1:17-25 (The Message)
 ^17-19But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: "In the last days there will be people who don't take these things seriously anymore. They'll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts." These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There's nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!
 ^20-21But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
 ^22-23Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
 ^24-25And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.

For Reflection
Jude speaks to internal Christian squabbles.  With as many denominations, splinter groups and down right kooks claiming Christianity,  it is easy to fall into the trap of esclusiveism, my way to worship is better than your way!  Many times in scripture, we have been warned that helping others who sin carries the risk of being seduced by the sin and the pathos of the sinner. What does it mean to be tender with sinners?  What does it mean to be not soft on the sin?  Is sin found in the act of sinning or in the separation from God that enabled the sin?  How does your choice of what to do depend upon your answer?

Pray
that you center your response to conflict in the love that Jesus Christ demonstrated in his life.  Pray that you will be gentle in your response to conflict.  Pray that you will try to preserve the dignity of all individuals, including yourself,.   Pray that you will always strive to preserve the Holy Spirit in all relationships.