James 5:19-20

Last Sunday morning, Steve challenged the congregation to consider one another in order to stir up love (Hebrews 10:24). He asked us to tell a brother or sister in Christ how much their faith encourages us and how we appreciate them; and he asked us to encourage a family member, one of our youth, and a new Christian.

Steve also challenged us to encourage an unfaithful or struggling Christian. This is an extremely important request when we consider the consequences of falling away from God. James 5:19-20 tells us, “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.”

I encourage you to regularly look around the area where you sit during Bible classes, worship services, and devotionals and get to know others. The directory is a good resource for our members to put names to faces. If you notice someone has been missing multiple times, send a quick message or make a call to say you miss them. It may be that they have been out of town, but it could be that the individual has been going through some health or personal issues. The individual may also be struggling spiritually. Knowing any of these will provide an opportunity to pray for them.

What if this simple gesture resulted in helping a struggling Christian or helped an unfaithful brother or sister return to the Lord? What a joyous occasion when someone returns to God!

I am reminded of the father in the parable of the lost son who, despite the actions of the wandering son, rejoiced when he was found. “It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found” (Luke 15:32).

Check on others that you see missing. A card, call, text, email, or message may be just the thing they are needing, to know that they are loved.

For the elders, Terry Clark