“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19–20
God loves it when we care for others, especially those who are stumbling in sin. As God’s people, we are called to be aware of the needs of others. This is what it means to be selfless. We are constantly thinking about others.
One of the best ways to attend to the needs of others is by helping them see the error of their ways when they sin. This should not be done pridefully or harshly—it could very easily be us needing the correction. But it should be done with a spirit of gentleness and love.
God loves his people. Since he loves us, we should love one another. We can’t ever turn a blind eye to the failures of those around us. God desires his body to be unified and not fractured with sin. Our love for one another is one of the best ways to witness to the world that our God is real.
Read
“So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
- Why does God care so much for the lost sheep?
- Is there anyone in your life right now who could be considered a lost sheep?
- How can you pray for them or speak to them about Jesus?
Prayer
Father, thank you that you have pursued us in our sin. Apart from that, we would have never followed you. May we pursue others in love when they wander from you. Help us to do this in a spirit of humble gentleness. May the world see you as they see us loving one another. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the James Study Guide. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes a 15-week curriculum, a small group study, a group inductive study, as well as 75 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
