“He that winneth souls is wise”- Proverbs 11:30

What is a “soul-winner”?  A “soul-winner” is a follower of Jesus who takes seriously his or her responsibility to help others escape eternal destruction. The gravity of this obligation may be seen in Jude’s charge:  “Be merciful to those who doubt"  

Most Christians know that our Master has commanded each of his disciples to do what we can to lead the unsaved to His salvation (Luke 5:10). Many do not realize, however, there are at least two other ways to “win souls.” 

A second way to win souls is found in Matthew 18, where Jesus explains how we treat a brother who has wronged us.  Rather than petulantly pouting in private, or maliciously gossiping about them to anyone who will listen, the Lord says that we , the innocent party, should reach out to them .  If we are successful in our attempts to bring healing, Jesus says, “You have won your brother over ” (verse 15).  While that statement may refer to our brother’s reconciliation with us, just as often it results in his regained relationship with the Lord. After all, many a person has fallen away from the Lord because of the bitterness and resentment they experience from a falling out with their brother. 

A third way to be a “soul winner” is by speaking a word of concern to those who were once faithful but have fallen back into the clutches of Satan.  James tells us, “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover many sins” (James 5:19-20).

So, is there some lost soul with whom you can share your faith?  Invite to church?  Bring with you to a Growth Group or fellowship activity? Then be a soul-winner, and speak a good word for Jesus!

Is there some brother or sister with whom you are “on the outs”?  For the sake of their soul – for the sake of your soul (Matthew 5:23-24) – will you speak a word of healing?

Is there some brother or sister that you haven’t seen in worship for a while?  Are you aware of a fellow Christian whose life is headed in the wrong direction?  Are you like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan, avoiding eye contact as “pass by on the other side of the road”, trying to ignore their desperate condition (Luke 10:31-32)?  Or, for the sake of their soul, will you speak a loving word of concern?

Will you be a “soul-winner”?