At the end of the New Testament and before Revelation, there is a short book of the Bible that is often overlooked called Jude.  We believe that Jude was the brother of “James the Just” who was the leader of the church in Jerusalem.  This James was known as a brother of Jesus; thus, Jude would have been a brother as well.  Jude wrote his letter to warn the church against false teachers who had entered the church. However, in the middle of his strong warnings and condemnation he expresses a compassionate response to those who doubt.  He is not talking about those who are false teachers, nor those who are attacking the faith.  He is describing sincere people of faith that are struggling with doubt.

Sometimes within the black and white world of the church, doubt can be portrayed as the opposite of faith.  However, often in the Bible it is described as a companion to faith.  Remember Jesus was patient with His disciple Thomas and showed him the wounds from the cross so that he would believe.  John the Baptist experienced doubt while in prison soon to be executed.  He asked his disciples to go ask Jesus if he was the Messiah?  And after Jesus provided affirmation to these disciples, he began to praise John the Baptist by saying there is nobody greater. The reality is that when we go through periods of doubt it can strengthen our faith as we continue to seek God. 

So how do you respond to people who have doubt? Do you try to fix them and argue that they should not be having doubts?  Or do you express mercy and patience toward them?  When people talk to us about their doubt, it means that we need to listen to their questions and be present with them.  We need to assure them that God is not threatened by their questions.  While you may not have all the answers, you can talk about your experiences of faith. Honest doubt is not a rejection of faith, but a cautious attempt to trust something that matters.  You may encounter struggles in your life that may cause you to question God.  But know that God is always with you and cares for you.  Never stop reaching out to hold the unseen hand of God.

Read Jude (It’s only one chapter)