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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
One
of the Christian’s greatest
deterrents from sin is the life of
another Christian. Some Christians
maintain that it is none of their
business if another chooses to
sin. They are convinced that they
are being judgmental if they
respond to someone in sin. The
world persuades them not to get
involved, but this inaction
prevents them from being an
effective intercessor. As
Christians we are aware that sin
brings death (Rom. 6:23). Sin
kills relationships, dismantles
marriages, stifles joy, and
destroys peace. When we see
someone wander from the truth into
error, how should we respond?
When Jesus saw sin it broke his
heart. He wept over entire cities
a he saw them rejecting the truth
(Matt. 23:37-39). He prayed
fervently for His disciples to be
strong when they were tempted
(John 17). He warned those who
were heading toward spiritual
failure (Matt. 26:20-25, 34).
Jesus was even willing to die to
save people from their sins
because He knew the devastation
that sin causes. Jesus never stood
idle as those around Him were led
astray by their sin. He always
took an active role in turning
them back to God. "Minding your
own business" will save you some
discomfort, but it will not help a
brother or sister who needs to
return to the Lord. If you are
truly aware of the grave
consequences for those who
continue in sin, you will be moved
to weep even as Jesus wept. Pray
fervently for your friend. That
will safeguard your motives and
prepare you to minister to him. Be
alert, in the event that God asks
you to confront your friend. If
you do so, be loving and gentle
lest you, too, be tempted (Gal.
6:1). |
