Helping one who has strayed
James 5:19-20, "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
There is always the potential for a person who is saved to stray from the truth. The word "err" in verse 19 speaks of straying and the word "convert" in the same verse means to turn around. A person can err (stray) doctrinally, err in thinking, err in living, err in attitude etc., and when such is the case others need to help turn that person around (convert) from their error.
The ultimate danger in the life of a brother who has strayed is the possibility of God allowing Satan to take his life because of his straying lifestyle. "...he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." Whom the Lord loves, He chastens (Hebrews 12:6). Paul commanded the church at Corinth "To deliver such anone (the erring or straying brother) unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (1 Cor. 5:5)
Let's be a people who care both about the lost man who needs to come to faith in Jesus, and the brother who has erred and needs to turn around to get back on track with the Lord.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference...." Jude 22
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATION
1. Do you know someone who has strayed from the faith? Will you take a moment to pray for them right now?
2. In addition to praying for someone who has strayed what other steps might one take to help the erring one to get back on the right path?
3. Why is compassion an essential element in helping someone who has erred?