“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
Bible Verses About Being Lost And Then Found
The Joy of Finding the Lost
When we find ourselves lost, either physically or spiritually, there is a great joy in being found. Just like the parable of the lost sheep, where the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, this signifies every individual’s immense worth. When we stray away from God, He is always actively seeking us. The joy in heaven for one lost sinner who repents reminds us that we are never too far gone to be found by His love and grace. We share this joy together as a community, celebrating when one of us returns to the fold. Each return is a beautiful story of grace, showing how our Father in heaven rejoices over us.
Luke 15:6
“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’” – Luke 15:6
Luke 15:9
“And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’” – Luke 15:9
Luke 15:10
“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13
Isaiah 30:18
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” – Isaiah 30:18
Every one of us has experienced moments where we feel lost, whether we’re in our faith journey or in the complexities of life. It is during these times that we are reminded of the calling to seek out those who are lost or wandering. This act of seeking is not just for the benefit of the lost but speaks volumes to our heart as well. We reflect the heart of God when we look after those who feel abandoned, forgotten, or trapped in despair. As a community of believers, we are encouraged to reach out and extend our hands, providing support, prayer, and the good news. Each act of seeking not only helps in finding others but strengthens our bonds and our walk with Christ.
Matthew 18:12
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” – Matthew 18:12
Matthew 28:19
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19
Luke 15:4
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?” – Luke 15:4
James 5:19-20
“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
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, 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.” – Galatians 6:1
The Role of Repentance in Being Found
Repentance is central to turning back from a path of loss to one of hope and restoration. Making the decision to turn back and seek reconciliation with God shows a heart full of desire for a rich, fulfilling relationship. This dramatic moment of realization, recognizing where we have gone astray, opens the door to receiving God’s love and forgiveness. It is critical that, as a community, we support each other in this process through prayer and encouragement. We remind ourselves that none of us are perfect, yet through repentance, we welcome the grace that leads to restoration. Our stories of repentance and renewal testify to the love of God in our lives, encouraging others to take that step towards healing.
Acts 3:19
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” – Acts 3:19
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Luke 15:21
“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” – Luke 15:21
Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” – Matthew 4:17
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
The Power of Forgiveness in Being Found
Forgiveness is a cornerstone of being found and restored in our relationship with God. It is freeing to know that through Christ, all our sins can be forgiven. The ability to forgive ourselves and others is an expression of grace. When we grasp that we are forgiven for our missteps, it lifts the burden of guilt and shame. As a church, we encourage each other to not hold on to past mistakes but rather embrace the newness of life that comes when we accept God’s forgiveness. Sharing in this journey of forgiveness brings us closer together as we support one another in finding peace and healing in the sight of God.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Isaiah 43:25
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” – Isaiah 43:25
Even as we stray, God’s love for us remains constant and unchanging. His desire for us to return to Him never wavers. Whether we wander for a prolonged time or briefly lose our way, the truth is that God is always ready to embrace us again. We are all recipients of His unconditional love, reminding us of our worth and identity in Him. No one is too far gone to experience the warmth of God’s welcoming arms. In sharing this love with others, we facilitate the process of being found once more. It is a beautiful reminder that no matter our circumstances, God’s love perseveres through it all, and it is this love that compels us to share the hope of being found with others.
Romans 5:8
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Psalm 107:13-14
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and burst their bonds apart.” – Psalm 107:13-14
Jeremiah 31:3
“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” – Jeremiah 31:3
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Sharing our own stories of feeling lost and eventually being found serves a powerful purpose. Each testimony can ignite hope in those who may feel trapped in their situation. By opening up about our personal journeys, we not only encourage those around us but also glorify God who works through us. We are called to be beacons of light to others, offering encouragement and comfort through our experiences. Our stories have the potential to bring healing and restoration to those who think they are irretrievably lost. So let us share our stories confidently, knowing that they can inspire others towards the promise of being found.
Psalm 40:2
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” – Psalm 40:2
Revelation 12:11
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” – Revelation 12:11
2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
Philippians 1:27
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” – Philippians 1:27
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another