Helping someone return to their faith is a beautiful act of love. The Bible encourages us to guide others with patience and kindness. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture calls us to support and restore fellow believers.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Embarassment
What Does The Bible Say About Bringing Christians Back To The Faith
James 5:19-20
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of reaching out to fellow Christians who have strayed from the faith. It reminds us that by helping them return to the truth, we not only save them from the consequences of their path but also demonstrate love and forgiveness.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
This verse highlights the need for Christians to restore those who have fallen into sin with gentleness and humility, while also remaining vigilant about their own spiritual well-being.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
This verse stresses the importance of addressing sin and wrongdoing among fellow believers privately and with a heart of reconciliation. It encourages personal confrontation as a means of restoring the wayward believer.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
This verse reminds us of our responsibility to warn and correct those who have become idle or disruptive in their faith, while also offering encouragement and support to the disheartened and weak, all with a spirit of patience.
Luke 15:4-7
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 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.”
This parable illustrates God’s relentless pursuit of those who have strayed from the faith. It emphasizes the joy in heaven when one sinner repents and serves as a reminder to continuously seek out those who have lost their way.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This commission from Jesus reminds us of our duty to share the good news of salvation and disciple others. It calls us to actively engage with people who have drifted away from the faith and guide them back to a life of obedience to Christ.
2 Timothy 2:25-26
“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
This verse teaches us to approach those who oppose the truth with gentle instruction, trusting that God will grant them repentance and deliverance from the captivity of the enemy. It reminds us that God’s truth has the power to transform lives.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse encourages us to demonstrate deep love for one another, which goes a long way in covering and bringing healing to the sins of those who have strayed. Love opens the door for reconciliation and restoration.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
This verse reminds us that our freedom in Christ should be used to serve and support one another in humility and love. By humbly reaching out to those who have fallen away, we can help restore them to the freedom found in Christ.
Titus 3:10-11
“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”
This verse teaches us the importance of dealing with divisive individuals who persist in their destructive behavior. While our primary focus should be on reconciliation, there may come a point where distancing ourselves is necessary to protect the unity and spiritual health of the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 5:5
“Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.”
This verse addresses a severe situation where a believer persistently lives in unrepentant sin. It suggests the act of temporarily removing someone from the fellowship in hopes that they may realize the error of their ways and be saved in the end.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse serves as a reminder to flee from sexual immorality, as it brings harm not only to oneself but also to the unity of the body of Christ. By confronting and addressing such sins, we can help restore purity and faithfulness within the community of believers.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse instructs us to support one another in times of difficulty and struggle. By coming alongside those who have strayed, we can help bear their burdens and facilitate their return to the faith.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This proverb reminds us of the importance of godly friendships and accountability within the Christian community. Through challenging and encouraging one another, we can help bring back those who have wandered off the path of faith.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This verse teaches us to prioritize the needs and interests of others over our own. By selflessly caring for those who have lost their way, we can demonstrate the love of Christ and bring them back into the fold.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of humility and teachability. By heeding wise counsel and accepting loving discipline, those who have strayed can experience spiritual growth and be restored to the wisdom of the faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse encourages us to actively engage with fellow believers, consistently meeting together to encourage and inspire one another to love and good works. Regular fellowship provides opportunities to bring back those who have drifted away.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse warns against being closely aligned with unbelievers, as their influence can potentially lead believers astray. It is a reminder to surround ourselves with fellow believers who can help us stay grounded in our faith.
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithfully preaching and teaching the Word of God. Through correction, rebuke, and encouragement, we can help guide those who have wandered back to a life of faith and obedience.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
This verse reminds us to make the message of Christ permeate every aspect of our lives. By teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom and worshiping God together, we create an environment that draws back those who have strayed.
Hebrews 12:12-13
“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ‘Make level paths for your feet,’ so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
This verse encourages believers to strengthen their spiritual walk and live in a way that supports and brings healing to those who are spiritually weak. By setting an example of faithfulness, we can inspire the return of those who have faltered.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This proverb recognizes the value of honest and truthful friendships, even when they involve corrective measures. True friends will lovingly confront and challenge those who have gone astray, helping to bring them back on track.
Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
This verse urges us to provide continuous encouragement to fellow believers, guarding against the hardening of hearts caused by the deceitfulness of sin. Daily uplifting and support can play a vital role in bringing back those who have wandered away.
John 13:35
“By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
This verse speaks to the power of love in demonstrating our allegiance to Christ. By genuinely loving and caring for one another, we create a compelling witness that draws others back to the faith.