Daily Devotional – Wednesday, June 3, 2026
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)
The outstanding hymn writer Robert Robinson raised a critical fact of faith when he composed the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” In this powerful reflection on the condition of the human heart, Robert observed that even after we have followed Jesus, we are “prone to wander.” We must be vigilant for ourselves and our fellow believers, as the enemy is constantly lurking.
Every Wanderer Matters
James the Elder concludes his epistle with a call to bring back the wandering souls in our midst. Almost every congregation has a list of former members. Some stayed for a short while, but the cares of the world or the allure of their former life swept them back into it.
Others were active church members by all definitions. They served in various positions, led in worship, and preached and prayed for others. Today, though, they no longer worship with others. Doctrinal differences, leadership wrangles, disputes over financial mismanagement, and other factors preyed on these little lambs of the Lord.
The pressing question now is: How are we working to reintegrate these individuals into the community? Among a section of believers, the best the erring ones receive is criticism, gossip, insults, and indifference. They are considered lost. Why did they leave the church if they were serious about their faith? We ask.
Finding the Lost Within the Fold
In contrast, James is inviting us to cooperate with Christ in saving these souls from destruction by leading them back home. We must remember that Christ came for that purpose, and every person is precious before Him, including those who were once in the faith but departed for whatever reasons.
Take a moment today to remember those who were once followers of Christ but who no longer associate with Him. Intercede for them and ask God to bring them back. Even more importantly, reach out to one such person and extend the love of Christ to them. That way, you will save a soul and cover a multitude of sins. That is as important as winning new souls to Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, lead me to a person who has wandered from the truth and help me lead them back to you.
