DAILY TEXT, From today Saturday-July-1-2023, Discipline then produces in those who have been trained by it the peaceful fruit of justice (Heb. 12:11).

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Saturday July 1

Discipline then produces in those who have been trained by it the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Heb. 12:11).

Expulsion is a measure that Jehovah has established for the good of all, including the person who has sinned. Some may say that kicking her out was a mistake, but keep in mind that those people will likely avoid mentioning negative details about the kicker. The truth is that we do not have all the data. So it is best to trust that the elders who participated in the judicial committee did their best to follow Biblical principles and judge “for Jehovah” (2 Chron. 19:6). If you support the decision of the elders to expel your family member, it may help him to return to Jehovah. Elizabeth admits: “It was very hard to completely cut off the relationship with our son, who was already an adult. But, when he returned to Jehovah, he admitted that he deserved the expulsion. And later he said that he had learned many valuable lessons. w21.09 28, 29 paras. 11, 12.

What can help you cope with pain?

Talk to understanding friends. Spend time with mature Christians who can help you maintain a positive attitude (Prov. 12:25; 17:17). Joanna, mentioned in paragraph 9, comments: “The truth is that I felt very lonely. But it helped a lot to talk to trusted friends.” Now, what can you do if a brother says something to you that makes you feel worse?

Why should we continue to put up with one another and forgive each other generously?

Be patient with siblings. Realistically, we can't expect everyone to always tell us the ideal words (Jas. 3:2). We're all imperfect, so don't be surprised if some don't know what to say or even say something hurtful to you unintentionally. Remember the advice of the Apostle Paul: “Keep putting up with one another and forgiving generously even if someone has a reason to complain about another” (Col. 3:13). A sister who has a family member who was disfellowshipped explains: “Jehovah has helped me forgive brothers who tried to do what was right but failed because of imperfection.” Now let's see what the congregation can do to help faithful family members.

How can we help the relatives of someone who was recently expelled?

Let's treat faithful family members with kindness and affection. A sister named Míriam admits that she was a little afraid to go to the meetings after her brother was expelled from her. She confesses: “I was afraid of what others would say. But there were very good friends who were also sad and did not say anything negative about my brother. Thanks to them, I didn't feel alone." Another sister recalls: “When our son was expelled, dear brothers came to comfort us. Some admitted that they did not know what to say. They cried with me or wrote me a few words. What they did helped me a lot.”

How can the congregation continue to support faithful family members?

Let's continue to support faithful relatives. They need our love and encouragement now more than ever (Heb. 10:24, 25). Sometimes, some relatives of expelled have noticed that certain brothers have stopped speaking to them, as if they too were expelled. Let's never do that! Young people who have disfellowshipped parents especially need encouragement and congratulations. A sister named María tells what happened to her when her husband was expelled and left her family: “Some of my friends came to my house, cooked something and helped me study with my children. They felt my pain and cried with me. And they also stood up for me when some people spread false rumors about me. They encouraged me greatly” (Rom. 12:13, 15).

What can the elderly do to comfort those who suffer?

Elders, take advantage of every opportunity to strengthen faithful family members. You especially have a responsibility to comfort brothers with loved ones who have left Jehovah (1 Thess. 5:14). Take the initiative and encourage them before and after the meetings. Visit them and pray for them. You can also preach with them or from time to time invite them to your family worship. Spiritual shepherds must show Jehovah's suffering sheep the compassion, love, and care they need.—1 Thess. 2:7, 8.

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