How can I care for someone who has backslidden?

Luke 15:7There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Jesus used the picture of a shepherd finding a lost sheep to describe his joy when we turn toward God in repentance and faith. Our attitude toward the wandering of others ought to be one of concern and prayer, never writing them off as lost. God rejoices in rescuing those who have lost their way.

Luke 15:17-19When [the Prodigal Son] finally came to his senses, he said to himself, “At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.’”

God can use various means to stop and redirect a wanderer. The son in Jesus’ story was brought to repentance through hard circumstances and the memories of home. Those means can be used as part of a prayer list for backsliders we know.

James 5:19-20My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

God may give us opportunities to participate in the rescue of a wanderer, but sometimes those closest to us may have to be reached by someone else. In either situation, our praying ought to be relentless. And when a backslider returns, God gets the ultimate glory.