Back to the Fold “Dear brothers, if anyone has slipped away from God and no longer trusts the Lord, and someone helps him understand the truth again, that person who brings him back to God will have saved a wandering soul from death, bringing about the forgiveness of his many sins” James 5: 19-20. NIV

Sometimes believers get sidetracked and become rebellious and disobedient to God’s truths. They are in dire need of repentance and restoration of their relationship with Christ. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul spells out some acts that separate one from the Lord.  He said, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God”

Everybody is vulnerable to giving in to temptation and failing the tests. This can happen both during the times of trouble and good fortune. One has to keep steadfast in the faith and not drift into a comfort zone of self congratulation or be immobilized by despair brought on by various tribulations. We have to keep fighting the good fight until the end.

We are tasked to be mindful of others and to bring those who have strayed back into the fold. Believers sometimes ignore the harm to Christian fellowship a wayward member can cause, every so often preferring to gossip about it rather than discussing it with the fallen believer. Galatians 5:1 tells us,” Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted”.  For the good of the ministry, we should try all means to rehabilitate a fallen believer. This grows and matures the church.  It is only where the person persists in blatant sin that serious steps should be taken to avert discord among others.  (See Corinthians 5:1-2)

To save someone from death and lead them to eternal life is a good work of faith. It is an act of great love for God and our fellow man as we have been commanded to do.