Watchtower Study, Showing Love and Mercy to Those Who Commit Serious Sin, Week of October 28 - November 3, 2024, Commentary and Responses.

Watchtower Study, Showing Love and Mercy to Those Who Commit Serious Sin, October 28-November 3, 2024, Comments and Answers.

“In his goodness God is seeking to bring you to repentance” (ROM. 2:4).

1. When someone commits a serious sin, what is sometimes possible to achieve?

When someone commits a serious sin, it is sometimes possible to lead the person to repentance, as stated in Romans 2:4, which says that “in his kindness God is trying to lead you to repentance.”

2, 3. What should we do if we learn that a brother has committed a serious sin, and why?

If we learn that a brother has committed a serious sin, we should encourage him to approach the elders and ask for help. This is important because the elders are trained to help the person repent and receive the necessary guidance. In addition, it is essential that the elders know the situation so that they can intervene appropriately and offer support.

HOW ELDERS HELP THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED A SERIOUS SIN

4. What is the purpose of the elders when meeting with a person who has committed a serious sin?

The goal of the elders when meeting with a person who has committed a serious sin is to do everything possible to bring the sinner to repentance. They seek to help the person recognize his mistake and restore his relationship with Jehovah, acting with humility and kindness in the process.

5. What advice should elders remember when meeting with the sinner? (2 Timothy 2:24-26; see also image.)

When meeting with the sinner, elders should remember the counsel of 2 Timothy 2:24-26, which instructs them to act with kindness, goodness, and mildness. They should be humble and recognize that, although they try to help the sinner repent, they cannot force him to change. Their focus should be on leading the sinner toward repentance, imitating Jehovah’s kindness in the process.

ILLUSTRATION

A shepherd is out with his flock looking for a sheep that has gone astray. The sheep is caught in a thorn bush and has a wound on its leg. Like the shepherds of old, the elders do everything they can to recover the lost sheep. (See paragraph 5.)

6. How do elders prepare their hearts before meeting with the sinner? (Romans 2:4)

The elders prepare their hearts before meeting with the sinner by remembering the words of Romans 2:4, which indicate that “in his kindness God is seeking to lead you to repentance.” They strive to imitate Jehovah’s kindness in dealing with the sinner, recognizing that their role is that of shepherds seeking to restore a lost sheep. They also pray to Jehovah for help in their efforts to lead the sinner to repentance.

7, 8. In what ways can elders imitate Jehovah’s patience when meeting with a sinner?

Elders can imitate Jehovah’s patience when meeting with a sinner in several ways. First, they should remember how Jehovah dealt with sinners in the past, such as in the case of Cain, whom he offered the opportunity to regain his approval while warning him of the consequences of his actions. Also, just as Jehovah repeatedly sent his prophets to Israel to urge repentance, elders should not be quick to conclude that a person does not want to change, but can meet with him more than once, giving him time to reflect and repent.

9, 10. What can the elders do to help reason with a brother who has sinned?

Elders can help reason with a brother who has sinned in several ways. First, they should investigate the factors that led the brother to commit the sin, such as whether he has neglected his study, preaching, or whether he has allowed bad influences to affect his heart. This will allow them to better understand the situation and address the problem more effectively.

In addition, elders should ask thoughtful questions that invite the brother to reflect on his actions, without pressuring him to reveal unnecessary private details. By treating him kindly, they can make it easier for the brother to express himself freely and understand the reasons behind his sin.

11. How did Jesus treat sinners?

Jesus treated sinners with compassion and understanding. For example, He asked Saul of Tarsus, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” which helped him realize that what he was doing was wrong. 

Furthermore, in Revelation 2:20-21, He mentions a woman named “Jezebel” and says, “I gave her time to repent,” which shows His willingness to offer opportunities for repentance. Thus, Jesus modeled an approach of love and patience in dealing with those who had sinned.

12, 13. What can the elders do to give the person time to repent? (See also images.)

Elders can give the person time to repent in several ways. First, they can meet with the sinner more than once, allowing him to reflect on what was discussed and seriously consider his situation. 

This may lead to a change in attitude at a later meeting and a search for Jehovah's forgiveness. They should also show empathy and kindness, creating a safe environment where the sinner feels comfortable to open up and express his feelings.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. Three elders are meeting with a brother. They are talking to him, but he is looking away. 2. On another occasion, the elders meet again with the brother. They are talking to him, and he is paying attention to them. The elders may meet more than once with the person who has sinned in order to give him time to repent. (See paragraph 12.)

14. When a sinner repents, who gets the credit, and why?

When a sinner repents, the credit goes to Jehovah, not to the elders or any other person. This is because, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:25, it is God who grants repentance. Although the elders can help and guide the person, the true change of heart and the decision to repent come from God's action in the sinner's life.

15. How can the elders continue to help the repentant sinner?

After the person shows repentance, elders can make regular visits to strengthen his or her faith and help him or her resist any temptations he or she may face.

“CENSORSHIP IN FRONT OF ALL PRESENTS”

16. Who was Paul referring to in 1 Timothy 5:20 when he spoke of “those present”?

Paul was referring to “those present” in 1 Timothy 5:20 as those few brothers who already knew about the sinner’s sin, either because they saw it with their own eyes or because the sinner himself confessed it to them. He was not necessarily referring to the entire congregation, but to a select group who were aware of the situation.

17. If the sin is widely known in the congregation or is likely to become so, what announcement will be made, and why?

If the sin is widely known in the congregation or is likely to become so, an elder will announce to the congregation that the brother or sister has been censured. This announcement is made “to serve as a warning to others” and thus prevent them from committing serious sin.

18. What do the elders do when a baptized minor commits a serious sin? (See also image.)

When a baptized minor commits a serious sin, the elders choose two of their number to meet with the minor and his parents. These elders will find out what steps the parents have taken to help their child make the necessary changes and repent. 

If the child displays a good attitude and accepts help from his or her parents, the elders may decide that it is not necessary for a committee to meet with them. However, they will continue to speak with the parents from time to time to ensure that the child continues to receive the help he or she needs.

ILLUSTRATION

Two elders meet with a baptized minor and his parents in their home. One of the elders is reading a scripture to them. If a minor commits a serious sin, two elders will meet with him and his Witness parents. (See paragraph 18.)

“JEHOVAH IS VERY LOVING AND MERCIFUL”

19. How do elders imitate Jehovah in dealing with those who commit serious sin?

Elders imitate Jehovah in dealing with those who commit serious sin by maintaining an optimistic and positive attitude, seeking to help the sinner repent. 

The elders strive to keep the congregation clean, but they also want to show compassion and mercy, just as Jehovah does. This is reflected in their willingness to offer support and guidance, remembering that Jehovah is “very loving and merciful.”

20. What will we see in the last article of this series?

We will see how the elders handle cases in which a sinner refuses to repent.

HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND?

According to Romans 2:4, what is the elders' purpose in meeting with a person who has committed a serious sin?

According to Romans 2:4, the goal of elders when meeting with a person who has committed a serious sin is to bring him to repentance. This is accomplished by imitating God's kindness and patience, seeking to help the sinner recognize his error and return to a right relationship with Jehovah.

How can elders apply 2 Timothy 2:24-26?

Elders can apply 2 Timothy 2:24-26 by treating sinners with kindness, patience, and respect. They should avoid being harsh or confrontational, and instead show empathy and understanding. When meeting with the person who has sinned, elders should strive to communicate in a gentle manner, seeking to help the sinner understand his situation and guide him toward repentance.

They should also pray for the person, asking Jehovah to grant him understanding and the ability to recognize his error, in the hope that he will come to his senses and turn away from Satan's traps.

What does the instruction “Censorship in front of all those present” mean?

The instruction “Reproof before all present” refers to the practice of publicly announcing the censure of a member of the congregation who has committed a serious sin that is widely known or could become widely known. This announcement is made to maintain the purity of the congregation and to make all members aware of the situation, which can also serve as a warning and lesson to others.