Continuing our treatment of James 5:19-20, you’ll recall from last time that James expects all Christians to be engaged in the ministry of restoration. Let’s consider how specifically to live out this truth.
Develop Necessary Character As One Who Restores
If we are to be involved in going after those who have wandered from the truth, there are at least two character qualities essential to the work:
1) Humility
If it is possible for a believer to wander from the truth, then it is possible that one day we ourselves may be that very believer. This possibility should give us pause lest we draw boastful conclusions about those who have wandered from the truth.
Recall Jesus’ teaching in Matthew’s Gospel:
Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye
Matthew 7:3-5
Among other things, Jesus teaches that each of us “has issues.” We each have some inability to “see clearly.” So before we judge the errors of another brother or sister, let us humbly remember “the plank” in our own eyes.
In the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).” Recall also his teaching on this subject to the churches of Galatia: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted (Galatians 6:1).”
Never become so critical of a struggling Christian–a downcast, seemingly defeated brother or sister in Christ–believing somehow you are “above all that.” It could happen to you. Practice humility.
2) Mercy
Having and showing mercy towards others is essential to win back those who wander from the truth.
Showing mercy is the primary application of the familiar “Parable of the Good Samaritan.” Read it afresh and consider how it may apply to James’ teaching:
And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”
But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’
So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:25-37
Remember: “A real friend is someone who always ‘gets in your way’ when you are ‘on your way down.’”
Develop the necessary character as one who restores: humility and mercy. There is something else helpful to us as we apply James’ teaching–but we’ll save that for next time.
**Excerpt from You’re Either Walking The Walk Or Just Running Your Mouth (Preaching Truth: 2020), pages 214-216, available in all formats here.
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