October 31, 2025 | Be God's Family
Bringing Back the Backslider
Scripture: James 5:17-20(NIV)
17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Devotional
This devotion ends our nearly year-long study called “Be God’s Family.” We have learned that God sees us as His sons and daughters. Hebrews 2:11 put it like this, “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”
Elsewhere Peter reminds us to “show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers… (1 Peter 2:17). Paul agrees, saying, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).
Being part of Christ’s Church is being part of a worldwide family. And being part of a local church is being part of a smaller, close-knit family.
What do we do, then, when someone turns tail and runs away from the faith, Prodigal Son style? We have a few choices. We can be the older brother, staying at home on the farm (in the church) and tending the crops (serving on committees). Or we can be like the father, straining his eyes to the horizon just waiting for his younger son’s silhouette to appear, then running full speed to embrace him (Luke 15:11-32).
Earlier in that same chapter, Jesus told a story about a shepherd who had one wayward sheep. He abandoned the ninety-nine in the dangerous open country until he found his little lamb (Luke 15:3-7).
Jesus told another story about a woman who lost a silver coin, a tenth of her wealth. She turned her house upside-down until she found it. She then threw a neighborhood block party (Luke 15:8-10).
The stories of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son were a response to the accusation against Jesus that, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Jesus declares the moral of his parables in this memorable one-liner: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7).
Our theme for this year: “Be God’s Family.”
What should we do when someone wanders away?
Poem
Who Loves Me Enough?
Proverbs 27
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
Proverbs 27: 5-7
Who loves me enough
To challenge my blindness
To correct my missteps
To confront my deep sin
Who loves me enough
To risk my own anger
To stand, spite my raging
To wait—my chagrin
Who loves me enough
To wound me with hard ruth
To chase me when running
To never give up
Who loves me enough
To name my betrayal
To forgive my denial
To share e’en His cup
Who loves me enough
To yell “Satan, behind me!”
To seek to forgive me
A seventy-seven fold
Who loves me enough
To bear my proud silence
To intercede faithful
To wait at home’s door
