James 5:16
Pray, forgive, be healed!
"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
James 5:16
These verses are important for each Christian. It reminds us to forgive one another, and of the effectiveness of prayer. Let's dive into this verse.
"Confess your trespasses to one another;"
When this verse is talking about confessing, it means two things.
If a Christian has hurt another Christian, he should go to that person to be forgiven. He needs to make things right between them.
If a Christian has sinned, and he can't find comfort on his own, he needs to go to another Christian, so that this brother may comfort him with God's Word.
It is also reminding us of the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:23-24: "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
"And pray for one another, that you may be healed."
Pray for each other for forgiveness, and for healing. God promises to listen. He will save the sick and forgive his sins. Verse 15 tells us about this: "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
The Greek word ἐνεργουμένη (energoumenē), here translated as 'effective' and 'fervent', also means 'working' (Galatians 5:6). The supplication of a righteous man accomplishes much. A righteous person is someone who fears the LORD.
Psalm 112:1: "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments."
Today's lesson: If you hurt someone, go to that person and ask for forgiveness. Pray for each other, so that you may be healed. Remember, the supplication of a righteous man accomplishes.