DAILY TEXT, From today Monday May 15, 2023,  Jehovah disciplines those he loves (Heb. 12:6).

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Monday May 15

Jehovah disciplines those he loves (Heb. 12:6).

We could say that an expelled person is like a sheep that has a disease that could infect the flock. He is sick in a spiritual sense (James 5:14). Like some physical illnesses, spiritual illness can be highly contagious. Therefore, in some cases it is necessary to isolate the person from the congregation. This disciplinary measure is an expression of Jehovah's love for faithful members of the flock and can touch the sinner's heart and cause him to repent. While he is expelled, he has the possibility to attend the meetings, where he can receive spiritual nourishment and strengthen his faith again. He can also get publications for his personal use and watch JW Broadcasting®. And, when the elders observe that he is making changes, From time to time they can give you advice and guidance to help you recover so you can be readmitted as a Jehovah's Witness. w21.10 10 pars. 9, 11.

What loving and merciful action can elders take when a sinner does not repent?

It is important to remember that only unrepentant sinners are disfellowshipped. The elders know that this is a serious matter that cannot be taken lightly. And they also know that Jehovah disciplines “to a due degree” (Jer. 30:11). They love their brothers and do not want to do anything that will damage their relationship with Jehovah. But sometimes the loving and merciful thing is to remove the sinner from the congregation.

Why did a Christian have to be expelled from the Corinthian congregation?

Let's see how the apostle Paul dealt with the case of an unrepentant sinner in the first century. This Corinthian Christian had immoral conduct, as he was living with his father's wife. How scandalous! Jehovah had told the ancient nation of Israel: “The man who lies with his father's wife has brought dishonor to his father. Both must die without fail” (Lev. 20:11). Of course, Paul couldn't tell the Corinthian congregation to execute that man; but he did tell her to expel him. The immoral behavior of this man was affecting a part of the congregation. There were even some who thought it was not such a serious sin (1 Cor. 5:1, 2, 13).

How did Paul show mercy to the man expelled from Corinth, and why? (2 Corinthians 2:5-8, 11).

Some time later, Paul learned that the sinner had made changes and truly repented. Although the man had tarnished the name of the congregation, Paul told the elders that he did not want to be "too severe." He gave them the following instruction: “You must kindly forgive him and comfort him.” And he explained why: "So he doesn't feel overwhelmed by being too sad." Paul felt sorry for this man who had repented. The apostle did not want him to feel so overwhelmed and crushed with guilt that he would stop seeking forgiveness (read 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, 11).

How do elders show firmness and mercy with balance?

As in the case of Jehovah, elders love to show mercy. They act tough when necessary, but show mercy when possible if there is a compelling reason to do so. If they did not discipline the sinner, they would not be showing mercy, but rather being permissive. Now, are the elderly the only ones who should show mercy?

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