Bible Reading: 1 John 5:16a
Did you know that it is our responsibility to help friends who have wandered away from God get back on the path that God wants them to be on? 1 John 5:16a tells us “If anyone sees his brother commit
a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life.”
Here are some things that you can do to help a wandering friend return to God:
If they are doing something that is not expressly forbidden by God, be patient and understanding (Romans 14:1).
Avoid pointless criticism (Romans 14:1).
Gently encourage your friend to return to God and seek God’s plan for his or her life (Romans 14:19).
Be sure that you aren’t doing something that might be causing your friend’s faith to waver (Romans 14:21).
Be willing to give up your rights to help your friend (Romans 15:1, 2).
Gently redirect your friend back onto the right path (Romans 15:5, 6).
Help your friend feel united with Christ and the rest of the Christian family (Romans 15:5, 6).
Love and accept your friend as Jesus does (Romans 15:7).
Remind your friend of the joy and peace available to those who trust God (Romans 15:13).
Ask another Christian to help you guide your friend back onto the path that Jesus blazed (Matthew 18:16).
“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:26
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to help my wandering friend find the way back to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.