| Jude 1:22-23 – “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.” |
Most have the experience of someone saying just the right thing at the right time.
It usually happens when we are down, confused. The right thing said at the right time is golden.
That’s what the letter meant.
On an August evening in 1982 Loyal Davis was dying. Davis was a long-time neurosurgeon and avowed atheist.
It bothered his son-in-law. He wrote in his journal, “More of Saturdays work plus a long letter I have to write to Loyal. I’m afraid for him. His health is failing badly.”
The son-in-law wrote those words at a desk in the White House. His name was Ronald Reagan. Reagan believed in a judgment and the accountability that went with it. So, he wrote the letter to win a battle, the battle for another’s soul.
The letter read:
Dear Loyal, I hope you’ll forgive me for this, but I’ve been wanting to write you ever since we talked on the phone. I’m aware of the strain you are under and believe with all my heart there is help for that. . . .
It was a miracle that a young man of 30 yrs. without credentials as a scholar or priest had more impact on the world than all the teachers, scientists, emperors, generals, and admirals who ever lived, all put together. Either he was who he said he was, or he was the greatest faker & charlatan who ever lived. But would a liar & faker suffer the death he did?
Davis died a few days later with his daughter Nancy at his side. In the end, Davis had changed his mind.
It was the right thing to say at the right time. Sometimes, we need to remember the big picture of life and select our words well. Jude reminded us:
“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.”
The next time you feel the need to help someone, don’t wait. It may be the best thing to say right then.
-Robert Taylor
