Read

James 5:19-20

¹⁹My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, ²⁰you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

Reflect

Father Flanagan started a home for orphaned and troubled boys in Nebraska in 1917. One of their symbols is a boy carrying another smaller boy on his back and the phrase “He ain’t heavy, Father. He’s m’ brother.” Over the years, Father Flanagan had seen numerous examples of boys helping each other in a fashion similar to the picture he saw in a publication so he asked for and received permission to use the drawing. They have since turned it into on of the most recognizable statues around.

The saying “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother”, champions an attitude that we should have as Christians toward others. If we see a brother or sister living a life that is not pleasing to God, we should stop and help them. Sure, it takes effort. The weight of their problems could weigh you down. It may even get a little messy. You may be made fun of. But you can be sure, that because we have a faithful God who is always there with us, we can answer, “He’s not heavy…he’s my brother.”

Respond

What can you do to help a brother or sister who has wondered from the truth?

If someone wanders from the truth, can they always be brought back?

Why is it up to us to bring our brothers and sisters back to the truth?

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