Restoration of a Straying Brother: Encouraging Others to Stay Strong in Faith

Have you ever watched someone you love slowly drift from their faith? Maybe it started subtly—missing church, becoming spiritually distant, making small compromises—and they seemed far from God before long. It’s heartbreaking to see, and many of us wonder: What should I do? How do I help someone who needs restoration?

James closes his letter not with a theological summary or final greetings but with a heartfelt call: If someone wanders from the truth, help bring them back. This is not just a suggestion—it’s a vital part of living out our faith.

As we conclude our Faith in Action – Walking Through James journey, today’s passage reminds us that one of the greatest expressions of love is helping someone return to God.

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 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.”
—James 5:19–20 (ESV)

Helping someone return to the truth is one of faith’s most powerful and grace-filled acts.

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James ends with a profound reminder that our faith doesn’t exist in isolation—we’re called to watch out for each other, especially when someone begins to drift.

1. People Wander

James says, “if anyone among you wanders from the truth.”

• This implies that wandering can happen to anyone—even believers.
• People may stray from God’s truth due to pain, confusion, temptation, disappointment, or distraction.
• Wandering is rarely intentional—it often starts with small steps away from God’s Word, community, or spiritual disciplines.

Instead of judging or giving up on those who stray, James calls us to go after them with compassion and truth.

2. Restoration Is the Goal

James doesn’t say, “Argue them back” or “shame them into repentance.” He says, “Bring him back.”

• The goal isn’t winning an argument—it’s restoring a relationship with God.
• This requires gentleness, humility, prayer, and love.
• Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”

3. Saving a Soul, Covering Sins

James uses strong language: “Whoever brings back a sinner… will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

• This isn’t about earning salvation for someone else—only God can do that—but instead, we lead them back to truth and life.
• Love, grace, and accountability can be life-saving interventions in someone’s spiritual journey.

The phrase “cover a multitude of sins” reminds us that God’s grace is bigger than our wandering. When someone turns back, God doesn’t shame them—He forgives, restores, and embraces them.

How Do We Encourage Others to Stay Strong in Faith and Pursue Restoration?

• Stay connected. Don’t let someone drift unnoticed. Reach out, check-in, and show them you care.
• Speak with love. Address their spiritual drift with grace, not condemnation.
• Pray for them. Never underestimate the power of intercession for someone’s return.
• Walk with them. Help them find their way back, not just with words but through companionship and discipleship.

Action Step:

• Think of someone who may be drifting from their faith. Reach out this week—send a message, meet for coffee, or check-in.
• Pray specifically for them, asking God to open their hearts and use you as a voice of grace and truth. The goal is restoration, which requires the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
• Reflect on how others have helped you stay on course and look for ways to be that kind of encouragement for someone else.

“There is no greater act of love than to help a brother or sister find their way back home to God.”—Unknown

Have you ever helped someone return to faith—or been restored by someone else’s love and care? Share your story in the comments! Your story could be the difference maker in helping someone pursue restoration!

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Prayer:

Lord, thank You for never giving up on me. Help me to be aware of those who may be drifting away from You. Give me the compassion, courage, and wisdom to guide them back to Your truth lovingly. Use me as a light that points others to Your grace and healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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It begins with Christ!

If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it begins with the first step. Believe in Him and make Him Lord of your life! Committing your life to serve Him is the most significant decision! For more information on serving the Lord, CLICK HERE!

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Blessings,

Chad 

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