Monday, August 17, 2009

Saving Others

A while back, I picked up a cover of Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God Day by Day. Got it for 25 cents. :-) I was impressed with last night's devotional, and felt it was written for me. Whether or not it was, it has some good food for thought, and is something we all need to think about. The title of the devotional is "Saving Others."


Whoever turns a sinner from his error will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20)

We live in a world that teaches us to mind our own business. We try not to get involved in other people's problems. We tell ourselves it's not our place. This attitude is completely opposite to what the Bible teaches. As Christians, we are called to become involved in the lives of others, especially when we see someone headed for trouble.


It is actually our responsibility, when we see a fellow believer drifting toward sin, to warn that person of the dangers ahead. Sometimes we are reluctant to say anything to others because we don't want to offend them. We don't want to act "holier than thou." Besides, if we point out the sins of others, they might point back at us and start naming our sins! So, often we say nothing, and think that's the most Christian thing to do. James argues, however, that when we help someone avoid the danger of sin, we are saving that person from death!


We need to check to see what is happening in the lives of people around us. If our friends keep falling into sin and we keep minding our own business, we have failed as a Christian friend. Is there someone you need to lovingly warn of the danger ahead? Take courage. Regardless of the response you receive, speak up before it is too late. Do out of genuine concern for the well-being of your friend.

2 comments:

~Brenda said...

I am so bad at this!! If someone asks my opinion, I usually can speak up. But to be confrontational, and bring it up myself ... yikes. Not so good at that.

Thanks for the reminder.

~Brenda

Kim M. said...

It is hard to confront others isn't it?