Mercy for doubters

Pastor Mark Jeske

A waitress at the restaurant where I once worked told me why she wasn't a church member. "I would like to believe," she said. I was stunned. To me faith was obvious and easy. Not to her. She actually kind of wanted to be a believer, but it just wasn't happening for her.

What's not to understand about the coming judgment? How can you not agree with the Bible's teaching of universal evil? What's not to like about a Savior who gives you unconditional love, forgiveness of your sins, and eternal life after death?

Sometimes church lifers like me forget that all faith is a gift from God. We are all born skeptics and doubters. Until Word and sacrament turn on the lights in our brains and bring warmth to our cold hearts, we find the Bible's stories strange and unbelievable. One of the very first fruits of our gratitude for the gift of faith should be patience with those who are not as far along as we have been blessed to come: "Be merciful to those who doubt" (Jude 1:22).

It's important that church people don't make inquirers feel stupid. It's important that we take their questions seriously and that we have God's answers for people from God's words, not our own doctrinal opinions. An arrogant and judgmental tone in our voices might keep people frozen in their doubts.

A soft voice, listening ears, and compassionate heart are better. Way better.

Devotional used by permission of Time of Grace®. For more information, visit timeofgrace.org