D. Renewing the Bonds (5:19-20)

The final sentence of the homily expresses concern for those who tend toward breaking the bond of fellowship. The message is “Don't minimize the possibility of apostasy.” The bonds of fellowship should be so sensitive that a brother cannot wander from the gospel without someone seeking him and restoring him to a vital relationship. Apostasy is depicted in its extreme status by the term “multitude of sins.” The homily closes on this seemingly negative note, but it summons the whole congregation to mutual responsibility for sustaining and renewing the fellowship of faith in Jesus Christ.