If you’ve walked with Jesus for any amount of time, you know the pain of seeing loved ones who are far from Him. Maybe you came to Christ later in life and your friends and family never knew Him. Or maybe you’ve been part of God’s family for a long time and have watched others walk away from the faith.
This week’s concluding remarks from James offer us powerful encouragement:
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19–20)
You might think they can never come back. You might think it’s hopeless. But James reminds us—they can return from their wandering. They can repent and be rescued from death.
So don’t give up.
Don’t stop praying for them.
Don’t stop loving them.
Don’t lose hope.
And don’t assume this passage is only about those who are already far off. The truth is, all of us—including the people sitting next to you and even you yourself—are prone to wander. That’s why it’s so important to stay involved in one another’s lives, to pray for each other, and to keep each other on the path God has marked out for us.
Don’t wait for someone to have a dramatic “walk away” moment before stepping in. Through your love, your prayers, and your persistence, you can help bring someone back—or keep them from ever drifting too far in the first place.
Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper.
So what can you do with James’ closing words?
Pray.
Pray for someone you love who is far from Jesus right now. And pray with hope—they can come back!
Love.
Love the person you’re praying for. Be in relationship with them. Enjoy their company, have fun with them, serve them, and show up for them. Love them with no strings attached—the way God does (see Matthew 5:45).
Join a small group.
If you’re not already in one, join a small group where you can be seen and known—and where you can see and know others. You might be part of keeping someone from straying, just as they might help keep you close to Jesus.
Stay rooted.
No matter what, keep yourself in the love of God through reading His Word, prayer, community, and service. Live out the wisdom James has shared in his letter.
Don’t give up. Jesus is worth it. Amen.
