Basic HTML Version
A Helping Hand for the Despairing, October 15
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of
his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of
sins.
James 5:19, 20
.
There are many who err and who feel their shame and folly. They look
upon their mistakes and errors until they are driven almost to desperation.
These souls we are not to neglect. When one has to swim against the
stream, there is all the force of the current driving him back. Let a helping
hand then be held out to him as was the Elder Brother’s hand to the sinking
Peter. Speak to him hopeful words....
Thy brother, sick in spirit, needs thee as thou thyself has needed a
brother’s love. He needs the experience of one who has been as weak
as he, one who can sympathize with him and help him. The knowledge
of our own weakness should help us to help another in his need. Never
should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him the
comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
It is fellowship with Christ, personal contact with a living Saviour,
that enables the mind and heart and soul to triumph over the lower nature.
Tell the wanderer of an almighty Hand that will hold him up, of an infinite
humanity in Christ that pities him. It is not enough for him to believe in
law and force, things that have no pity and never hear the call for help. He
needs to clasp a hand that is warm, to trust in a heart full of tenderness.
Keep his mind stayed on the thought of a divine presence ever beside
him, ever looking upon him with pitying love. Bid him think of a Father’s
heart that ever grieves over sin, of a Father’s hand stretched out still, of a
Father’s voice saying, “Let him take hold of my strength, and make peace
with me ...” (
Isaiah 27:5
).
As you engage in this work you have companions unseen by human
eyes. Angels of heaven were beside the Samaritan who cared for the
wounded stranger. Angels from the heavenly courts stand by the side of
all who do God’s service in ministering to their fellow men. And you
have the cooperation of Christ Himself. He is the restorer, and as you
work under His supervision you will see great results.
[296]
306