James VIII
…let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:20 ESV)
Many of us like to fix what is broken. Whether it is correcting poor grammar, fine tuning an engine, or resolving broken relationships, when we encounter something that is ‘not right,’ we use prayer, words, and actions to make things better.
But only God… Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… can fix broken things caused by sin.
We cannot bring new habits into a family member’s life. We cannot sanctify a miss-directed neighbor. We cannot convince, cajole, force, or legislate righteousness into those around us.
But God… Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… covers over a multitude of sins through His salvific work.
I wonder if James is ironically under-exaggerating in his statement. Because bringing ALL of us sinners back from our wanderings will cover EVERY sin!
The gospel is the answer to what is broken.
Reconciliation with God is the answer to what is broken.
Salvation is the answer to what is broken.
And unlike the efforts I often make… showing Jesus to folk is not meddling.