Biblical Love: Engaging a Hostile World with Grace

Summary

In a world that often stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of God, the call to love those who do not share our faith is both urgent and delicate. The world, as described in Scripture, is not a neutral or enlightened place but one marked by darkness, ignorance, and even hostility toward the things of God. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to engage with this world—not by withdrawing or compromising, but by loving its people with wisdom and discernment.

To love someone, in the biblical sense, is to purposefully and tenaciously seek their highest good. This is not a passive or sentimental affection, but an active pursuit of what is truly best for them, even when it is misunderstood or rejected. All of us are sinners, but for those outside of Christ, the consequences of sin are dire, as their sin is not covered by grace. This reality should stir both compassion and urgency in our hearts.

Jude’s letter offers a God-inspired blueprint for how to love non-Christians without endorsing their sin. He identifies three types of non-believers, each requiring a distinct approach. First, there are the doubters—those who are curious, questioning, and searching. To them, we are called to show mercy: to listen without judgment, share our faith gently, and pray fervently. Our kindness and patience can hold the door open for faith to take root.

Second, there are the perishing—those in immediate danger, whether physically, relationally, or spiritually. Here, love must be urgent and bold. We are to speak the truth in love, share the gospel clearly, and be present as true friends, knowing that eternity is at stake.

Third, there are those who are far from God, living in open defiance or mockery of His ways. With them, we must love with mercy mixed with fear—kindness tempered by holy caution. We set boundaries, remain anchored in our faith, and refuse to compromise God’s truth, even as we continue to point them toward Christ.

This kind of love is not easy. It requires self-examination, courage, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. But it is the way of Jesus, who loved us while we were still sinners and calls us to do the same for others. Each relationship, each encounter, is an opportunity to reflect His love—sometimes with gentle patience, sometimes with urgent truth, and sometimes with careful boundaries. May we be found faithful in loving well, for the sake of Christ and the souls He longs to redeem.

Key Takeaways

- The world is not a spiritually neutral place; it is marked by darkness, self-righteousness, and hostility toward God. As Christians, we must recognize that our calling is to love people within a context that is often opposed to the light we bring. This awareness should shape our expectations and our posture, reminding us that true love may not always be welcomed or understood by the world. [03:48]

- True biblical love is the tenacious pursuit of another’s highest good, not mere affirmation or sentimentality. Sometimes, seeking someone’s good means offering tough love, setting boundaries, or speaking hard truths, even when it is misunderstood as intolerance or hate. God’s love for us is both merciful and holy, and we are called to reflect that same balance in our relationships. [12:46]

- When engaging with doubters—those who are curious or uncertain about faith—our approach must be marked by mercy, patience, and gentleness. Listening without judgment, sharing our own stories, and praying persistently can create a safe space for questions and spiritual growth. The seeds of faith are often planted through simple acts of kindness and honest conversation, not through debate or pressure. [20:03]

- For those who are perishing—caught in destructive patterns or facing spiritual ruin—love demands urgency and boldness. We must not shrink back from sharing the truth of the gospel clearly and compassionately, knowing that eternity hangs in the balance. Our willingness to intervene, even at the risk of discomfort or rejection, is a profound act of love that can rescue someone from disaster. [27:45]

- Loving those who are far from God, especially those whose lives or beliefs threaten to pull us away from Christ, requires a careful mix of mercy and holy fear. We must be kind but firm, setting boundaries that protect our own spiritual health while still pointing others to Jesus. Compromising truth for the sake of relationship ultimately leads us—and them—away from God’s best; instead, we are called to love with both compassion and conviction. [39:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Redefining “The Real World”
[02:09] - The World’s Darkness and Hostility
[03:48] - Christians in a Corrupt World
[04:41] - The Danger of Mishandling Grace
[06:02] - Twisting Grace into a License for Sin
[08:37] - False Teachers and Affirming Sin
[09:20] - Jude’s Blueprint for Loving Non-Christians
[10:43] - Three Types of Non-Believers
[11:47] - Defining Love and Sinner
[16:27] - Mercy for Doubters
[20:03] - Practical Ways to Show Mercy
[25:13] - Urgency for the Perishing
[27:45] - How to Snatch from the Fire
[31:35] - Mercy Mixed with Fear for the Defiant
[39:15] - The Danger of Compromising Truth
[43:24] - How to Love Carefully
[45:54] - Why and When to Love Non-Christians
[46:55] - Reflection and Application

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Loving Non-Christians Without Endorsing Sin

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### Bible Reading

- Jude 1:17-23
(Primary text for the sermon; focus on verses 22-23)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Jude 1:22-23, what are the three different approaches Jude instructs for engaging with non-believers?
[[10:43]]

2. In the sermon, what does it mean to “love” someone in the biblical sense, and how is this different from simply affirming or agreeing with them?
[[12:46]]

3. What are some of the dangers mentioned in the sermon that can happen if Christians mishandle the balance between loving people and affirming sin?
[[04:41]]

4. How does the sermon describe the spiritual state of “the world” and its relationship to God?
[[03:48]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jude distinguish between doubters, the perishing, and those who are far from God? What might be the reason for using different approaches for each group?
[[16:27]]

2. The sermon says that true biblical love is “the tenacious pursuit of another’s highest good.” How might this definition challenge common ideas about love in our culture?
[[12:46]]

3. What are some reasons Christians might be tempted to compromise truth when loving those who are far from God, according to the sermon?
[[39:15]]

4. The sermon mentions that all people are sinners, but the consequences are different for those outside of Christ. How should this reality affect the way Christians approach relationships with non-believers?
[[14:37]]

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### Application Questions

1. Think of someone in your life who is a “doubter”—curious or questioning about faith. What is one practical way you could show them mercy this week, such as listening without judgment or sharing your story?
[[20:03]]

2. Is there someone you know who seems to be “perishing”—caught in destructive patterns or facing spiritual ruin? What would it look like to love them with urgency and boldness, as described in the sermon? What holds you back from doing this?
[[27:45]]

3. Are there relationships or influences in your life where you need to “mix mercy with fear”—setting boundaries to protect your own faith while still pointing others to Jesus? What specific boundaries might you need to set?
[[39:15]]

4. The sermon warns about the danger of becoming desensitized to sin or compromising truth for the sake of relationships. Can you think of a time when you felt pressure to compromise your beliefs to keep a friendship or avoid conflict? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now?
[[39:15]]

5. The sermon encourages self-examination and reliance on the Holy Spirit when loving non-Christians. What is one area where you need to ask God for more courage, wisdom, or discernment in your relationships?
[[45:54]]

6. The pastor suggested making a list of non-Christians in your life and considering which category they might fit into (doubter, perishing, far from God). Take a moment to do this now. How might this help you pray and act more intentionally?
[[46:55]]

7. The sermon says, “If you want to be a good missionary in your community, get passionate about Jesus.” What is one step you could take this week to grow your passion for Jesus so that it naturally overflows into your conversations and relationships?
[[25:13]]

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Close in prayer, asking God for wisdom, courage, and love as you seek to engage the world for Christ.

Devotional

Day 1: The Real World Is Dark and Opposed to God
The world we live in is not neutral or spiritually enlightened; rather, it is described in Scripture as dark, hostile, and under the influence of the evil one. As Christians, we are called to recognize that the “real world” is not the standard for truth or goodness, but stands in contrast to the kingdom of God. This understanding shapes how we interact with those around us, reminding us not to be surprised when the world resists the light of Christ or when our efforts to love are misunderstood. We are called to live as people of the light, even when the world prefers darkness, and to remember that our true citizenship is in God’s kingdom, not in the values of this present age. [03:48]

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Reflection: In what ways have you found yourself adopting the world’s values or seeking its approval, and how can you intentionally realign your heart with the values of God’s kingdom today?


Day 2: Grace Is Sacred—Never a License for Sin
God’s grace is a precious, holy gift that should never be twisted into an excuse for living however we want. When we treat grace as permission to ignore God’s commands, we cheapen the sacrifice of Christ and risk falling away from true faith. Scripture warns that using grace as a license for sin leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God, even for those who think they are “good Christians.” True grace transforms us and calls us to honor God with our lives, not to indulge in what He forbids. [07:05]

Romans 6:1-2 (ESV)
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have been using God’s grace as an excuse to avoid obedience? What would it look like to treat grace as sacred in that area today?


Day 3: Show Mercy to Doubters—Meet Them with Kindness and Patience
When you encounter those who are unsure about God or wrestling with doubts, Scripture calls you to respond with mercy, kindness, and patience. Rather than judging or debating, listen to their questions, share your own journey, and gently point them to Jesus. Your compassion can create a safe space for faith to grow, just as Jesus did with Nicodemus. Remember, mercy holds the door open for doubters, allowing God’s love to work in their hearts over time. [20:48]

Jude 1:22 (ESV)
And have mercy on those who doubt.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life who is wrestling with doubts about God? How can you intentionally show them mercy and create a safe space for their questions this week?


Day 4: Love the Perishing with Urgency—Speak Truth and Share Jesus Boldly
There are people in your life who are heading toward spiritual or personal ruin, and loving them means acting with urgency. Don’t stay silent or distant; instead, speak the truth in love, share the hope of Jesus clearly, and be a faithful friend. Eternity is at stake, and your willingness to intervene could make all the difference. Love is not passive when souls are in danger—it moves boldly to rescue and restore. [27:45]

Jude 1:23a (ESV)
Save others by snatching them out of the fire.

Reflection: Is there someone you know who is in crisis or heading down a destructive path? What bold but loving step can you take today to reach out and share the hope of Christ with them?


Day 5: Love Carefully—Set Boundaries and Guard Your Heart
Some people or influences in your life may draw you toward compromise or desensitize you to sin. Scripture calls you to love with mercy mixed with holy fear, setting clear boundaries and staying anchored in God’s truth. Be kind but firm, point others to God’s way, and if necessary, step back to protect your own walk with Christ. Loving carefully means refusing to let your desire for connection override your commitment to holiness, and remembering that your first loyalty is to God. [43:57]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Reflection: Is there a relationship, influence, or situation where you need to set firmer boundaries to guard your heart and remain faithful to God? What practical step can you take today to mix mercy with holy caution?

Quotes

Grace is sacred. Grace is holy. It is vast. It is all -consuming. But it is sacred, and we must never, ever treat it otherwise. [00:07:43] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip

To love someone is to purposefully and tenaciously seek their highest good. That is the act of love defined. To purposefully and tenaciously seek their highest good. So I ask you, do you love your spouse? Do you love your spouse? Do you purposefully and actively seek their highest good? I find this super convicting already. If I truly love you, I will do what's best for you no matter what. That's God's love. Who loved us even while we were sinners, seeking our highest good. [00:12:06] (00:00:45 seconds) Edit Clip

If someone is racing towards a cliff and I don't try to do something to intervene, I can't say that I'm honestly loving them. I am not seeking their highest good. [00:26:32] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip

Luke chapter 15 says there is rejoicing in heaven over a sinner who repents. That is a literal statement, folks. I don't know exactly how at all it works, but somehow there is a host of heavenly witnesses watching us and when someone comes to the Lord, heaven throws a party. [00:30:46] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

Tim Keller, in his book, The Reason for God, warns, he says, love without truth, it's just sentimentality. That's all it is. Then he goes on to say, truth without love is harshness. It corrects, but it does not care. We are called to balance that. To love, have mercy, mixed with fear. [00:42:53] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip

Jude's blueprint loves three types of non -Christians. Mercy for doubters, like Nicodemus, listening kindly, creating a safe space for them to question and to journey. Urgency for the perishing, boldly sharing the truth of God to those in danger. And number three, careful love for those who are far from God. Gentle but cautious, patient but firm. [00:46:08] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

So why do we love non -Christian sinners? Because Jesus does. Because he commands us to it. Because non -Christians are just fellow Christians in the making. When should we love non -Christians? Right now. Every day. Today. Don't let the day pass without doing something that seeks the good of someone else. [00:46:34] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip