This Sunday will be our last study in the book of James. We’ll be reading ch 5:19-20.

It’s a short ending, especially compared to the long, drawn out closings Paul would write in his letters. It’s like, when James is done, he just walks away while we shift uncomfortably glancing at each other with a look that says “is that it?”.

Yet what his closing lacks in eloquence, it more than makes up for in weight. It’s not triumphalism – its a very realistic view of a church made up of humans. We are prone to wandering, James knows that – and that reality creates some very important responsibilities for the church community as a whole. As you read this, what do you see as our chief responsibility in watching out for each other?

Love covers a multitude of sins. Read Prov 10:12, and 1 Peter 4:18.  What do you think this is saying, and how do you envision this as being lived out by the church?

On the other side of that…have you ever wandered? Did you come back – what brought you back? How were you treated, and did your treatment encourage you or did you get back on the path in spite of how you were treated?

As a church community, this is important stuff.  The church has not always handled this well…and in some cases, has failed miserably. Watch the video below to hear some people’s experiences…and then pray. Pray for a heart that shields the weak and covers those wrecked in the fall. Pray for a heart that steers toward life and a compassion that defies a vulture culture.  I think that’s what James would encourage us to do.  Hope to see you Sunday.