Look out for each other
Helping a fellow believer return to the truth is a great act of love.
My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.
James 5:19-20
James 5:19-20 encourages Christians to help fellow believers who have gone astray. It describes a Christian brother who has wandered away from the truth, either in doctrine or in practice. Another brother makes this a matter of fervent, believing prayer, and thus lovingly turns him back to fellowship with God and with his brothers and sisters in Christ.
We are encouraged to look out for each other. Sometimes believers can stray from the truth and fall into sin. When this happens, James says that it is the responsibility of the community to help bring that person back to the truth. Helping a fellow believer return to the truth is a great act of love and can have a profound impact on their spiritual life.
The importance of fellowship and accountability in the Christian life cannot be understated. In our efforts to preach to the lost, perhaps we do not give sufficient attention to those sheep of Christ who have wandered from the fold.
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—Faith
Prayer of the Day
Dear God, we come before you today with heavy hearts for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling. We ask that you would strengthen them in their time of need.
For those who are struggling with doubt, we pray that you would help them to remember your faithfulness and the promises you have made. Help them to trust in you even when they cannot see the way forward.
For those who are struggling with sin, we pray that you would give them the strength to turn away from temptation and to walk in your ways. Help them to remember that you are always with them, even in their darkest moments.
For those who are struggling with pain and suffering, we pray that you would comfort them and give them the strength to endure. Help them to remember that you are the God who heals and that you will never leave them or forsake them.
For those who are struggling with discouragement, we pray that you would renew their hope and help them to see the good that you are working in their lives. Help them to remember that you are the God of all hope and that nothing is too hard for you.
In all these things, we pray that you would draw them closer to you and help them to grow in their faith. May they know your love and your presence in their lives, and may they find their strength in you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.