Doubting

Tuesday, May 9

Doubting
By: Pastor Mark White


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

Have you ever had a season of doubt, or know someone who has?

The truth is doubt can visit the life of everyone who follows Jesus. I wonder if it was that way for Theophilus when Luke writes his gospel for him.  Luke says that he writes so that Theophilus will have “Certainty of the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:4) Although Theophilus had apparently learned some things about Jesus, it seemed that doubt may have been creeping in, maybe through questions, fears, or misunderstandings. So, Luke writes to help remove that doubt so that he could have certainty.

I think there is a lot of confusion about doubt in the life of a believer, because we can have saving faith and still have intellectual doubts. And we can address those through study and research. Believe me, there is no question about the Bible that someone hasn’t already answered! 

But there is also “moral doubt.” We “doubt” because we don’t want to obey the Bible in the areas that challenge us to change.  Maybe it challenges the way we live, our sexuality, generosity, or our attitude. So, we may “doubt” that Scripture is true.

And as believers, we have a responsibility to those who do doubt. We are to have mercy, showing kindness, compassion, and sympathy. We are to direct people to the truth gently and patiently. This doesn’t mean we are not firm. But it must be a firmness mixed with compassion and love for those who are doubting.  It’s grace and truth.

So, let’s begin responding to any doubt we may be experiencing. This includes repenting of moral doubt or seeking answers to intellectual questions. It might also include helping a family member or friend work through some doubt of their own … with grace & truth.