by Barry
Grider
The words in the
above title are found among the beautiful lyrics in a hymn composed by William
A. Ogden in 1885. The song beautifully speaks of the life Jesus lived while on
earth and reminds those who sing the song that “He the great example is, and
pattern for me.” Christ was the great Reconciler and Restorer. Paul wrote, “Now
all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ,
and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). Likewise, the
faithful have the responsibility to restore the erring (Gal. 6:1). How does God
lead us back along the path of restoration? Is it not through His kindness? “Or
do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not
knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Rom. 2:4)?
It may be
imperative that we refrain ourselves from fellowshipping with some members of
the church who continually, without repentance, bring reproach upon the body.
However, such withdrawal is never done out of malice or of bitterness.
And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother (2 Thess. 3:14, 15).
Dear faithful
child of God, why not make a loving appeal to a lost brother or sister. You can
do this through a call, note, or visit. If you get a positive response,
lovingly listen to what the erring one has to say. Such individuals may be
bearing a load of guilt, anger, blame, indifference, or perhaps they feel
neglected. By speaking with them about matters of eternal consequences you are
reaching out to help them. Respond to them with reassurance and unconditional
love. Challenge the erring to ask God for forgiveness and be ready to lead them
in prayer if they repent. It could be these prodigals need to be converted all
over again with a simple, basic Bible study that will remind this child of God
of the joy that was his when he first obeyed the gospel. Also, let other
faithful members know what you are doing. Pray together regarding these lost
souls. Don’t become weary in reaching out, but persevere.
Through your
diligence and kindness you will win back to Christ some of those lost souls.
When that person returns, as many Christians as possible need to welcome that
one back to the fold, just as the Heavenly Father has done (Luke 15:20). If a
wayward brother or sister comes forward in an assembly, let several others go
down and sit by their side or put an arm of affection around them. When the
service is over let everyone encircle this one in love. Now that the prodigal
has returned, let that person put his past forever behind him. Help him find a
place to serve in the kingdom once again. Keep checking on him to encourage him
to stay strong and to keep him accountable.
Did you know
that when one returns to the fold there is joy in heaven (Luke 15:10)? If the
divine Godhead and the angelic host are rejoicing, so should we! Remember these
thought provoking words,
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 (James 5:19, 20).
Barry's Bio: Barry Grider is a part-time instructor with the Memphis School of Preaching. He also serves as the pulpit evangelist of the Forest Hill Church of Christ. He graduated Memphis School of Preaching and the University of Alabama (B.A.). He began preaching in 1986. He is married to Celicia and they have three children.
Links:
http://www.foresthillcofc.org
http://msop.org
Links:
http://www.foresthillcofc.org
http://msop.org
