Bring Back Erring Believers

Daily Devotional: Sunday, September 3, 2023
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20 (NKJV)

After losing her job, Grace stopped coming to church. She had huge debts to clear and no alternative source of income. Soon, Grace turned to alcohol and illicit drugs. Meanwhile, she became the perfect sermon illustration on backsliding. Her former church had no plan for bringing back erring believers.

Seeking the Stray Sheep

More than a year later, a childhood friend who lived in another town heard about Grace’s condition and embarked on a mission to win Grace back to the kingdom of God. After a few weeks of prayer and counseling, the wandering sheep returned to the fold. However, her former churchmates still treated her with suspicion. In response, she sought peace and refuge in a new congregation.

Grace’s case epitomizes many others in churches. Unfortunately, some ostracized members never return to church. This is a saddening situation considering all human beings (including preachers) are susceptible to sin and backsliding. How different would the situation be if we adopted the counsel of the Apostle James?

Turn Back the Lost Christian

The concluding statements of James’ epistle are, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20). What a demonstration of empathy and brotherly love!

When a brother or sister veers from the path of righteousness, our work is to do all in our power to bring him or her back. Instead of criticizing and ridiculing those the devil has trapped in sin, we should engage in intercessory prayer, counseling, and persuasion to bring the wayward soul back home.

Bring Back Erring Believers

Do you know people who were once active in church but are now in the clutches of Satan? If you were in their situation, how would you want fellow believers to treat you? Which steps will you take today to bring back erring believers? Remember that doing so will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Prayer
Dear Jesus, lead me to an erring believer that I need to bring back to You and teach me how to do it.