You have the power of restoration

"Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his ways, will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins".                                  James 5:19-20    NKJV 

These two verses are the last in the book of James, but may be the most important. James is addressing believers about people who have become backsliders - who have fallen away from their faith. A backslider strays away from the truth for one reason or another. One famous example is of Peter who denied Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). When we meet or know of someone who fits into this mould, we should never have an attitude of, 'it's none of my business'. It is your business because, this is a Christian brother or sister who has stepped off the road for reasons that you may find out if you speak to them.

Here, James is talking to us, the believer, not the backslider. James is telling us that we have a duty of care to attempt to steer the backslider back to God, otherwise if not helped they may be on the way to a spiritual or physical death. When we are successful in restoring someone, we save their soul from death and cover a multitude of sins v20. Don't expect bugle calls of thanks and recognition from other believers though, even though James says to 'let him know' v20. I know there are many who have restored someone and it has not even been mentioned by leadership. This doesn't matter and we shouldn't seek it. The only thanks and recognition that you need is from God. He's very grateful.

We may not know what caused the person to fall away so, this is a good place to start when you attempt to get alongside them. You have the power of restoration, you may not believe it but you have and, it's time that you accepted it. You will meet someone who is in need at some time; this may be someone who has never known Jesus or, it may be someone who has fell away. You have the ability to get alongside this person and tell them about Jesus' love. Don't be fearful or walk away, God has placed the person near to you because you have the power of restoration. Yes, it is true. Go for it

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

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