James 5:19-20

Whose responsibility is it to go after those who have gone astray in their sin or “wandered from the truth?” James says here that it is our responsibility, God’s people, the “brethren.” Jesus said that He has come “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Matthew 18:11). As His disciples, we have been given the charge to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

There are those who believe in these verses, James is referring to believers who have backslidden from the faith. Others believe that they speak of those who never walked with the Lord, wandering through life without knowing the truth. The answer for both is the same, repent, confess your sin, believe in Jesus, and you will find forgiveness of sin and fellowship with God.

So, what are we waiting for? People are weary, scattered like sheep having no shepherd, and we have the Gospel, the answer for their need. “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37).

Pastor Doug Hardin