Chasing the Lost — Joining What God Is Already Doing

J. A. Fisch
Jan 20
3 min read

Scripture:

“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.” -James 5:19–20

Additional Reading: Luke 19:10 • Jonah 2:9 • Ephesians 4:15 • Matthew 5:16 • 2 Peter 3:9 • 2 Corinthians 4:4 • Colossians 4:3 • Luke 15:11–24

Intro:

Have you ever watched someone you love drift away from God—and felt helpless about it?

Someone who once walked faithfully, now uncertain, distant, or hardened.

You pray. You hesitate. You wonder if speaking up will help… or only push them further away.

Scripture does not leave us confused here. God never calls His people to condemn the wandering—or to save them ourselves. But He does call us to love, pursue, pray, and trust Him with the outcome.

Bringing The Lost Back to Christ

James is not writing about strangers. He is writing about brothers and sisters. Those who once walked in truth but slowly wandered off course. Scripture makes a crucial distinction here: wandering is not always rebellion—it is often drifting.

And God takes drifting seriously.

Yet notice what Scripture does not say. It does not say to shame them. It does not say to cut them off. It does not say to force repentance. Instead, it calls believers to bring them back—gently, faithfully, truthfully.

Salvation belongs to the Lord alone (Jonah 2:9). We cannot change hearts. We cannot convict souls. That work is God’s. But Scripture is equally clear: restoration is part of our responsibility. We are called to love, to pursue, to pray, and to stand ready.

Jesus Himself said He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The pursuit of the wandering did not begin with us—it began with Him. When we reach for the lost, we are not starting something new; we are joining what God is already doing.

Truth must be spoken—but always in love (Ephesians 4:15). Truth without love hardens hearts. Love without truth deceives them. God commands both.

Some people will not hear our words—but they will watch our lives. Light does not chase darkness; it shines, and darkness retreats (Matthew 5:16). Prayer reaches places arguments never will. And patience reflects the heart of a God who does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9).

And sometimes—after truth has been spoken, prayer has been poured out, and love has been shown—we must release control. Like the father of the prodigal son, we wait with open arms, trusting that God is still working even when we cannot see it.

This is not condemnation.

This is restoration.

And God honors obedience rooted in love.

Reflection Questions

Is there someone in your life who has wandered from the truth that God is asking you to love without trying to control the outcome?

Are you trusting God’s timing—or carrying responsibility He never asked you to bear?

How can you speak truth this week with greater humility, patience, and love?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

give me Your heart for the lost. Teach me when to speak, when to pray, and when to wait. Remove fear, pride, and control from my heart, and replace them with obedience and love. I trust You with those I cannot reach, knowing You never stop pursuing them.

It's in Your holy name I pray. Amen.