When someone loses their way

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth, and someone should bring them 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

Is there anyone you have missed from church recently? Anyone you have heard is in difficulties over their faith? Anyone who has got into bad ways? As James puts it here, anyone who has “wandered from the truth”?

It happens. Oh yes, it happens. Over my lifetime work as a pastor I have seen it many times. It is both very sad and also very difficult to deal with. 

Well, it may come as at least something of a consolation that it happened in the early church as well. I suppose the supreme example is Judas: presumably (imagine this!) there was a time when he walked gladly with Jesus and his fellow-apostles. But think too of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) who were seduced into greed, and through that into lying. Or the little-known Demas, who "loved this world" - what a sad contrast there is between Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:9-10. Even during Jesus’ earthly ministry, quite apart from Judas, there were disciples who voted against him with their feet (John 6:66); they "turned back and no longer followed him".

We could spend a long time asking why this happens. But what would be the point? Every case is unique, and the reasons are many and varied. The fact is that it does happen, whether we like it or not, and so the only question that really matters is: what are we doing about it?

In our verse James assumes that we will do something. And we need to notice that this isn’t the responsibility only of the minister or pastor; those completely general words “someone” and “whoever” are very important. They mean you and me. Indeed, in some cases the “professional” may not be the best person to act.

So the question again: is there anyone in your circle who has got into this situation? And if there is, what are you doing about it? - apart, that is, from praying. It’s easy to shrug your shoulders and get busy with other admittedly important things. It’s easy to think, if only subconsciously, “Oh, so-and-so can deal with that”. But this is to abdicate our responsibility. 

If this sounds a bit grim, please notice something that James implies: to do this, though it may be hard, is a great and joyful thing - to “save someone from death and to cover over a multitude of sins”, no less! We aren't just "bringing them back to church"! And surely it’s far better to try and fail than not to try at all?

“But how do I go about it?” you say. Good question. And the answer is that there is no set way. Certain possibilities are obvious: a phone call, text message or email that simply expresses concern: “I’ve missed you? Are you all right?” Sometimes an eyeball to eyeball confrontation may be called for: “Jack, I really need to talk to you - will you let me?” Perhaps a completely out of the blue visit: awkward, yes, but it could be effective.

The vital thing, however we go about it, is that we do so prayerfully, lovingly and humbly. Paul can help us here: “If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently...” Well, that sounds fair enough, especially that beautiful word “gently”. But then he adds “... But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

In other words, when we set about trying to restore the sinner, we don’t do so from a height of supposed superiority. Oh no, we do so as sinners ourselves, aware that next time it could be us in need of this treatment. “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

One of the greatest New Testament stories is how Jesus restored Simon Peter after his three-fold denial before the crucifixion (John 21). All right, Peter had lapsed under pressure rather than brazenly renouncing Jesus. But it was a very serious, and a repeated, lapse. Yet Jesus is all love and tenderness for him. 

What better example could we wish for? Is it time to get busy in seeking to “bring someone back”?

Lord Jesus, forgive my indifference and coldness of heart towards those who lose their way. Thank you for those who have shepherded me along the way - help me to do the same for others. Amen.