correction — Faves of Dave - Bible Study

James 5:19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

We conclude our study in James with one final sentence of James that is divided into two verses. This entire letter has been James’ attempt to correct ideas, attitudes, and actions that had found their way into the lives of these believers to whom James is addressing. Key among these problems are pride, inappropriate speech to others, and believing that a life of faith could be void of works consistent with what they claim to believe. They were self-centered and not honoring the Lord or serving others.

James’ conclusion is an extension of mercy and hope for redemption of such people who have allowed these things to characterize their lives. It seems that this concluding sentence may shed some light on what he meant in the preceding verses that spoke of those who were sick and the value of confessing sin and praying for healing. (James 5:14-16) Let’s look at this more closely.

James speaks of two kinds of people. There are those who “wander from the truth.” These are people who curse or judge others. They treat some people with a preference, to the neglect and abuse of others, because of money or social status. Some of these people may gain or use their wealth by defrauding others. They exude jealousy and selfishness. Here James is speaking to the second kind of people. They are the ones he encourages to be instruments of mercy and redemption by bringing the first group back to the truth and the way of Jesus.

James tells these Christians they have a responsibility and privilege to be agents of redemption. He says, “let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death . . . “ (v. 20) In our society today, our culture values independence and a “do what feels good to you” attitude. We have a “mind your own business, and I’ll mind mine” attitude that pervades much of our society today. Therefore, James’ counsel is in direct contrast to our societal values. His instruction insists that we have a great responsibility to attempt to lead people back to the truth. We should not be uncaring of the consequences of people’s actions. Why? Because it could lead to their death. Maybe that’s why he spoke of sick people and their need to confess their sins. They should have the elders pray and anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord. Through this kind of ministry, they are able to lead these people back to the truth and healing through God’s mercy.

But that is not all that is accomplished by leading a brother or sister in Christ back to the truth. He says this act of redemption “will cover a multitude of sins.” The sins are paid for by the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. But, if that wandering soul returns to the truth, he is appropriating the forgiveness available to him that restores his fellowship with God. The apostle John wrote in his first letter,

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:5-10)

John’s teaching supports James' teaching. True Christian fellowship with each other and God requires that we walk in the light of Christ and his truth. When we sin, Jesus is ready and willing to receive our confession, forgive us, and cleanse us from our unrighteousness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father - Help me walk in the truth of Jesus and in humility toward you and my fellow believers. Let me have the courage to humbly lead others back to your truth.