My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20 (NIV)
SOME QUESTIONS WORTH THINKING ABOUT
– If I wander/stray from the right path, will someone come after me?- Will I be found in time? Or will I be too far gone?- When our brothers wander from the right path, are we caring enough go after them?Our ‘brothers” here, means our fellow believers. It could be ladies, and it could be teenagers, or it could be men. We have to understand that anyone of us can stray. Actually the Bible reminds us that in 1st Cor. 9:12: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!This process of going astray takes place gradually. It could start by casually missing a prayer meeting, a Bible study. Then not showing up for home fellowship. It develops into missing service for a week…then two…then a month. Then not showing up for church at all.Or it could escalate to the latter all at once. This could happens for example, when people have given up on God because of some disappointments they’ve faced.
HOW DO WE RESPOND?
We need to reach out to the lost brethren. Then convert them back.
“… if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back…” James 5:19(b)
The same way you would try to stop someone who is driving towards a broken bridge that will surely end his life; you should also show the same zeal when trying to convert a sister, a brother or a friend who has strayed.
WHO CAN HELP?
All of us. You and me. The ministry of search and rescue belongs to all of us in the body of Christ.
“remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:20 [NIV]So take the courage and go talk to that friend who has strayed and bring them back into the fold of Christ. ~ By Rev. Peter Irungu
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