In Summary...

The last verse of James 5:

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

This is the final verse after many verses on prayer, and salvation.  Prayer is necessary in order to see people saved from sin, and restored to complete healing.

Our purpose here on earth is certainly to worship God and bring him glory.  And one way we do that is by restoring others to a right relationship with God.  It’s hard to do that if we ourselves don’t feel complete and whole in Him. 

This entire chapter of James encourages us to not misuse riches, to be patient and endure hardship, to praise, and to pray.

And the result will be restoration.

I can’t think of anything more satisfying, more than a vacation away or a meal that hits every receptor in our stomachs, than seeing someone who has lost hope regain it.  When someone who hates herself realizes God loves her and she then loves herself – that is breathtakingly beautiful.

Pray for the sick.  Pray for the lost.  Don’t get entrapped in riches on this earth, and don’t grow weary when the race is long and hard.  Keep praising him, praying effective prayers of faith.

Watch for the answers to come in the form of strays showing up at your door asking for a glass of water.  You can then hand it to them and cover a multitude of sins, and all of heaven will rejoice with you, as you see God restore one who was lost back to Him.