“My 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.” (James 5:19-20)

I heard a true story some time ago that went kind of like this:  Athletes had come from all over the country to run at this Olympic event.  They all had spent many weeks and months training for these games.  Spectators were gathered around the field to cheer on all the young women and men.  The final event of the day was approaching and the excitement grew.  Nine resolved athletes were lined up in back of the starting line, poised for the sound of the gun…The hundred-yard dash was ready to begin.  The signal was given and the pistol exploded.  And so did the runners, all charging ahead.  But, the smallest athlete running among them stumbled and staggered and fell to the asphalt.  He gave out a cry in frustration and anguish…his dreams and his efforts all dashed in the dirt.  But something amazing happened next.  The other runners pulled up on their heels…the runners who had trained for so long to compete had one by one turned around and went back to help the fallen one and brought him back to his feet.  Then all nine runners joined hands and continued the dash which now was reduced to a walk.  The banner that said “Special Olympics” could not have been more accurate.  And that’s how the race ended, with nine runners crossing the finish line together and all receiving a gold medal.  A standing ovation from the crowd and nine beaming faces said more than words ever could.

I think of how we as Christians should be in our “race for prize” and of how the story of that ‘race’ could go something like this:  Athletes (Christians) had come from all over the country to run at this Olympic event (the race for the prize).  They all had spent many weeks and months and years training (reading the Word, praying, living a holy life) for these games.  Spectators (our Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the angels) were gathered around the field to cheer on all those who were participating.  This final event approached and the excitement from the crowd grew as they knew the focus of these athletes was on the finish line…the prize.  The signal was given and the race began.  All the athletes dashed ahead, determined to finish this race.  But one of them stumbled and staggered and fell to the ground.  He cried out in frustration and anguish…his dreams and efforts all dashed in the dirt.  He lay there hopeless, full of shame and defeated.  But something amazing happened.  The other runners pulled up on their heels and one by one returned to help the fallen athlete to his feet again.  They locked arms with him and continued moving forward, all together, all toward the same goal.  The cheering from the spectators escalated to a roar as all the athletes crossed the finish line together and all received the glorious prize of eternal life. 

My dear friends, if you see a brother or sister fall…turn around and take their hand.  Help them to their feet and walk beside them until their balance is restored.  Take the initiative and reach out, pray for the person, act in love…this way we can meet the fallen one where he or she is and bring them back to God and His forgiveness and then together we continue…forgetting the past…we press forward to what lies ahead.