Restoring Strays

"My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins." James 5:19
 

 

When someone strays from the truth, there are proper ways to restore them. James approaches this subject in his fifth chapter. All of us know straying Christians; yet we must know how to relate to them without appearing legalistic or severe.

 

When someone truly strays from the truth, they have made a conscious effort to walk away. James urges us to be willing to help turn them back, to make contact with them concerning the direction in which they are going, and to redirect them so they can return to where they belong.

 

Before approaching the straying believer, we must check our attitudes. We don't want to botch our efforts. Paul wrote to the church at Galatia, advising that we "who are spiritual" be controlled first by the Spirit of God - as opposed to our flesh. Our hearts must be tendered and molded by God's heart, so that we show concern rather than judgment.

 

Most people who are strays are wounded or broken in some way. An angry or impatient spirit will not win them back. Genuine humility is essential... "Looking to yourselves, lest you too be tempted." In other words, we have our own limitations and frailties; in remembering that, we know that we too could have been ensnared just as they were.

 

Before we head out to 'rescue the perishing,' we must be sure that we are called to be involved. The entire process must be under the direction of the Holy Spirit. We must remember that our attitude is just as important as our action. When we know we're being led by the Spirit of God, and we have the right spirit, we will experience His anointing to accomplish the task.