Tough Love

Jude 22-23 (NKJV)
And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Jude 22-23 (NIV)
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.

While compassion and mercy are Christian virtues that all Christ-followers ought to pursue, there are times when these gifts and tools are not effective in turning back a brother or sister back who has strayed too close to the fire. There are certain people who, at times, will not learn until they've been burned. We can waste plenty of time, resources and emotion on these people only to watch the continue in their sin and self destruction. To these people, Jude calls us to be discerning and disciplined. To these, we wait, hating yet patiently enduring their sin until a time when we can practice mercy again. This is called tough love.
The secret to tough love must be prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can tell when a person has truly been purged and is repentant, ready to return to God's will.

Father - give me a discerning heart and mind to distinguish between those who demand compassion and those who demand patient mercy. Make me disciplined to patiently wait for your discipline to play out. Help me to hear from Your Holy Spirit and to join You in whatever work you are doing in the lives of those entrusted to my care. Amen.