---
title: What Believers Owe to Spiritual Wanderers
description: When people wander, James says, the believer has a responsibility not to abandon them to their sinful choices but to endeavor to bring them back.
image: https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2025_Blog_Images/BlogHeader_What%20BelieversOweToSpiritualWanderers_09.25.jpg
---

- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about) 
    - [About Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
    - [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
    - [What We Believe](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/what-we-believe/)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [About Alistair](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
    - [Our Team](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-team/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
    - [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/)
    - [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- [My Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/)
- [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/) ![Truth For Life ](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/logo-tag-k.svg)

- [Today](https://www.truthforlife.org/daily)
- Programs 
    - [Latest Program](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/latest-aired/)
    - [Archived Programs](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/archive/)
    - [Program Schedule](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/upcoming-broadcasts/)
    - [Subscribe and Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
    - [TFL Station Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
    - [Info for Broadcasters](https://www.truthforlife.org/radio-info/)
- Sermons 
    - [Latest Sermons](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/most-recent-sermons/)
    - Browse
    - [by Topic](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [by Series](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=series&per_page=25)
    - [by Scripture](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/scripture/)
    - [by Date](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=sermon)
    - [by Transcripts](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?format=transcript)
- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- More 
    - [For Pastors & Churches](https://info.truthforlife.org/churches?from=blog)
    - [Subscribe & Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
    - [Explore Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [Get the App](https://www.truthforlife.org/apps)
    - [Alistair Begg Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/alistair-begg/archive/)
    - [C.H. Spurgeon Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/archive/)
    - [Reading Plans](https://info.truthforlife.org/reading-plans)
    - [Online Bible (ESV)](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)
- [Donate](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- [Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Find a Station](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [Subscribe](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- ![Search](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-search.svg)
  
  Search

[![Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-library.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/) [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart) [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/) ![Show Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-menu.svg) ![Hide Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-close.svg)

#### Blog Latest Posts

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Daily Images (590)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/daily-images)
- [Weekly Wallpaper (403)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [Articles (398)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)
- [Monthly Resources (377)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [From the Archives (335)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/from-the-archives)
- [Ministry Updates (318)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Hymns and Worship (201)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg (152)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Begg's Blog (62)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Listener Stories (46)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)

### Archive

- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [August 2015 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [November 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2019 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [August 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [November 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [September 2021 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [November 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [August 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [June 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [July 2022 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [September 2026 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [April 2015 (4)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)

see all

[Subscribe to Blog RSS Feed](http://feeds.feedburner.com/TruthForLifeBlog)

#### [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org) What Believers Owe to Spiritual Wanderers

# What Believers Owe to Spiritual Wanderers

Share

- [Twitter](http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?status=What%20Believers%20Owe%20to%20Spiritual%20Wanderers+/what-believers-owe-to-spiritual-wanderers)
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=/what-believers-owe-to-spiritual-wanderers)
- [WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=What%20Believers%20Owe%20to%20Spiritual%20Wanderers%20|%20/what-believers-owe-to-spiritual-wanderers)
- [Email](mailto:username@example.com?subject=What%20Believers%20Owe%20to%20Spiritual%20Wanderers&body=/what-believers-owe-to-spiritual-wanderers)

 September 25, 2025

## ![What Believers Owe to Spiritual Wanderers](https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2025_Blog_Images/BlogHeader_What%20BelieversOweToSpiritualWanderers_09.25.jpg?width=1200&height=676&name=BlogHeader_What%20BelieversOweToSpiritualWanderers_09.25.jpg)

In any flock of sheep, some are assertive and move forward, some hang toward the back, and others manage somehow or another to drift off on their own, stragglers and wanderers. These kinds of groups are also found in nearly every local church—and it’s the wanderers that we will now consider: those who, if ever they were holding fast to the Gospel, seem to be slowly, imperceptibly loosening their grip.

James, the brother of Jesus, abruptly ends his epistle with a warning and an offer of hope for such people: “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19–20).

In other words, if we ask the question of Cain back in Genesis 4:9, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” the answer is unequivocal: Yes! As members of the Lord’s spiritual family, we are responsible for one another, not simply to pray for one another but also to watch out for each other’s well-being. We therefore ought to have a particular concern for those who have professed the faith but have begun to drift away from Jesus Christ.

## Wandering from the Truth

We might imagine men and women wandering away from many things—relationships, church involvement, areas of service, etc. But James is concerned specifically about the one who “wanders from the truth.” And “the truth” here is not an abstract commodity; it is the truth found in the Scriptures and embodied in the Lord Jesus Christ ([John 14:6](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/john+14:6)).

Wandering like this usually begins doctrinally (“I no longer like to think of God like that”) and continues morally (“Did God really say…” or “Does He really care if…”). We first wander in our minds, and then we wander in our actions. We assume that God is not actually so concerned about this or that sin, that we should do this wrong or neglect that right—and suddenly we find that those things come to us with no burden on the conscience.

When this wandering happens, it happensindividually. Every sin in our lives is an inside job: “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:14). No matter how much we may want to blame it on our heritage, on the people around us, or on the influence of those with whom we spend time, we bear the responsibility for our own wandering.

###### We first wander in our minds, and then we wander in our actions.

It also happens gradually. Few people experience some dramatic slide in sudden immorality. Rather, they begin to cultivate a sort of casual indifference to the path of righteousness, which then grows into disinclination to be on the path, then finally becomes a desire to step out of the path entirely and walk on another.

And it happens willfully. When we wander from the truth of God’s Word, it is because we have *chosen* to turn away from it. Every time we neglect prayer, we neglect an open line of communication with our Creator. That we don’t read our Bibles, that we don’t engage in fellowship with God’s people, that we’ve ceased to tell others about Jesus—all of these things are choices that contribute to and demonstrate our wandering from the truth.

## Restoring the Wanderers

The position of the wanderer is dire indeed. Yet when people wander, James says, the believer has a responsibility not to abandon them to their sinful choices but to endeavor to bring them back. And, importantly, James doesn’t designate the responsible party with specificity: “If … *someone* brings him back…” This mutual care is not a task limited to pastors or elders. It is *every* believer’s duty.

When we say that Christians should watch out for one another, we don’t mean in the way that the KGB watched for dissenters who were hiding, sneaking, and undermining. Rather, we should speak the truth in love ([Eph. 4:15](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/eph+4:15)), recognizing our own tendencies to wander, so that we “have mercy on those who doubt” (Jude 22). Charles Spurgeon said,

> I have known a person who has erred hunted down like a wolf. He was wrong to some degree, but that wrong has been aggravated and dwelt upon till the man has been worried into defiance; the fault has been exaggerated into a double wrong by ferocious attacks upon it. The manhood of the man has taken sides with his error because he has been so severely handled.[1](https://blog.truthforlife.org/what-believers-owe-to-spiritual-wanderers#fn1)

That won’t do. If God leads us to repentance by means of His kindness ([Rom. 2:4](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/rom+2:4)), what possible justification could we have for the cruel condemnation of a straying brother or sister?

This kind of watching has a self-purifying dimension to it, because it confronts *us* with the call to radical obedience. We dare not go to somebody to point out a splinter in their eye before we’ve addressed the two-by-four in our own ([Matt. 7:3](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/matt+7:3); [Luke 6:41](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/luke+6:41)). We must watch our own life and doctrine closely ([1 Tim. 4:16](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/1+tim+4:16)). Indeed, as Paul says, there is a special danger to us when we reach out to the straying: “If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1).

## The Impact of Restoration

Taking hold of the wanderer will have a profound impact: “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Wandering from God’s truth and an assurance of God’s consistent companionship do not go hand in hand. It is a dangerous thing to walk in deliberate sin while comforting ourselves with the thought of security in Christ: “Oh, this doesn’t matter, because I’m secure in Christ.” That’s why Paul reminds his readers in 2 Timothy 2:19, “‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’” There is no doubt that the Lord knows and keeps His own—yet the evidence that we *are* His is found in our joyful obedience, our departing from iniquity. If we find ourselves wandering, we ought to feel no assurance until we have turned back to the Good Shepherd.

Yet while the danger is daunting, the promise is encouraging: When somebody is restored, they are saved from death, and God covers the multitude of their sins. God is ready and willing to cover over the faults of the penitent. In the books of heaven, credited to the name of those who are in Christ is all of His righteousness—everything paid up in full, everything dealt with absolutely as God purposed.

###### Wandering from God’s truth and an assurance of God’s consistent companionship do not go hand in hand.

When the wandering backslider is prepared to return to Christ, that is no time for a lecture. It’s time to “kill the fatted calf” ([Luke 15:17–24](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/luke+15:17-24)). It’s time for a party. It’s time for us to get up on our feet and to dance. A brother or sister has shown signs of life when we feared the worst; they were lost and have been found ([Luke 15:32](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/luke+15:32)).

The stakes in spiritual life are always high, the matter one of eternal life and death. To be outside of Christ is to be on the path to condemnation. So when men and women drift away, they absolutely need a word of warning and of welcome: “Come back to Christ. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.”

---

*This article was adapted from the sermon* [“True Living”](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/true-living/) *by Alistair Begg.*

[![A Study in James](https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2025_Blog_Images/2025%20Blog%20Ctas/09.25%20What%20BelieversOweToSpiritualWanderers_BlogCTA.jpg?width=800&height=334&name=09.25%20What%20BelieversOweToSpiritualWanderers_BlogCTA.jpg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/faith-that-works-volume-4/)

---

1. C. H. Spurgeon, “To Sabbath-School Teachers and Other Soul-Winners,” *Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit* 19, no. 1137, 580. [↩︎](https://blog.truthforlife.org/what-believers-owe-to-spiritual-wanderers#fnref1)

---

Topics: [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)

##### **Copyright © 2026 , Truth For Life**. All rights reserved.

 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

### Get Weekly Updates

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Ministry Updates](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Monthly Resources](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [Weekly Wallpaper](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [From the Archives](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-sermons)
- [Hymns and Worship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Listener Stories](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)
- [Begg's Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)
- [Study Guides](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/study-guides)

### Archive

- [September 2026 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [August 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (4)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)

see all

### Marks of an Effective Church

[The Apostles' Teaching](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-effective-church-apostles-teaching) [Fellowship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-an-effective-church-fellowship) [Devotion to the Sacraments](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-the-sacraments) [Prayer](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-prayer) [Mutual Care](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-mutual-care) [A Worshiping Community](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-worshiping-community) [Continuous Evangelism](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-continuous-evangelism)

### The Fruit of the Spirit

[The Root of Our Holiness: Introducing the Fruit of the Spirit](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-root-of-our-holiness-introducing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit) [Love](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-love-part-2-of-9) [Joy in a Broken World](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy-in-a-broken-world) [Peace in a World of Conflict](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace-in-a-world-of-conflict) [Perfect Patience for the Least Deserving](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-perfect-patience-for-the-least-deserving) [Eternal Goodness and Everyday Kindness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-eternal-goodness-and-everyday-kindness) [God’s Faithfulness and Ours](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gods-faithfulness-and-ours) [Gentleness Isn’t a Weakness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness-isnt-a-weakness) [Self-Control](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control)

[Back to top](https://blog.truthforlife.org/what-believers-owe-to-spiritual-wanderers#top)

- [Home](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

##### Connect with us

PO Box 398000   
Cleveland , OH 44139

By Phone (888) 588-7884

- [Contact Us Form](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/support-form/)
- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/station-finder/)

##### Welcome

- [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Alistair Begg](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
- [The Gospel](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)

##### Our Resources

- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- [Sermon Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/)
- [Series Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/)
- [Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
- [Devotionals](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/)
- [Add Devotional to Your Website](https://www.truthforlife.org/syndicate/request/)
- [Bible](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
- [Connect with TFL](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
- [Books by Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/books-by-alistair-begg)

##### Donate

- [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
- [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner)

##### Insights Delivered to Your Inbox

Truth For Life is the teaching ministry of Alistair Begg and is committed to teaching the Bible with clarity and relevance so that unbelievers will be converted, believers will be established, and local churches will be strengthened.

- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-twitter.svg)](http://www.twitter.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/truthforlife1/)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/alistair_begg_truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-tiktok.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-rss.svg)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/subscribe/#mobile)

 Truth For Life is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

 © 1994 - 2026 Truth For Life. All Rights Reserved. [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/) | [Site Map](https://www.truthforlife.org/sitemap/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "TFL",
    "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/author/tfl"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-10-03T14:23:35.659Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-09-25T05:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "What Believers Owe to Spiritual Wanderers",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2025_Blog_Images/BlogHeader_What%20BelieversOweToSpiritualWanderers_09.25.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/what-believers-owe-to-spiritual-wanderers",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/file-2577538209-jpg/truthforlife-201502/logo_wt2x.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Truth For Life"
  }
}
```