Monday, November 15, 2021

Confront and Restore

James 5:19-20 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.

If we recall, in verse 16, James spoke of a unity involving the confession of sins to one another, and unity in prayer for healing. Here, along those same lines, he speaks to us of unity by being there for one another in correction and restoration. We are reminded that we are in this battle called life, together. Therefore, it is our responsibility, as soldiers in God's army, to stand with one another and have each other's backs. When we see a brother or sister straying from the truth, we are to come to their aid, by lovingly confronting them and doing whatever we can to help them be reconciled to God, and help them walk in fellowship, once again, with the brethren. James warns that there is a real danger of death when we stray from the truth. When we allow sin to walk us down a path away from God, it will destroy us, hinder our relationship with God and others, and could lead to physical death. The Lord did not intend for us to be in this spiritual war alone. We have a God who walks with us and fights for us, but He also gave us the armor we need in order to stand (Ephesians 6). He gave us brothers and sisters in Christ, who all make up the Lord's army, who we are supposed to go into battle with. We are to fight side by side, back to back, and be ready to pick each other up, whenever we stumble, so that we can continue the fight; until the Lord returns or takes us home. Let us always be ready to correct one another in love, and pick up those who stumble in their faith, so that they can be restored to fight another day.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

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