DAILY TEXT, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Whoever greets him becomes a partner in his evil deeds (2 John 11).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Whoever greets him becomes a partner in his evil deeds (2 John 11).

Every Christian should use their Bible-trained conscience when dealing with someone who has been removed from the congregation. Some may feel comfortable greeting them at a meeting or welcoming them back. However, what we wouldn't do is have a long conversation or socialize with them.

We may ask ourselves, “But doesn’t the Bible say that whoever greets such people ‘becomes a partner in their wrongdoings’?” (2 John 9-11). The context indicates that these verses refer to apostates and those who actively promote wrongdoing (Rev. 2:20). Therefore, if a person is actively promoting apostate teachings or other sins, the elders would not make plans to visit him. Of course, there is still the possibility that he might change. But until that happens, we would not greet him or invite him to attend a congregation meeting. w24.08 30, 31 pars. 14, 15

What should each Christian decide, based on their Bible-trained conscience, regarding people who have been removed from the congregation?

Does all this mean that when someone is removed from the congregation, we should completely ignore them? Not necessarily. Clearly, we're not going to socialize with them. But Christians can use their Bible-trained conscience to decide whether to invite someone who has been removed from the congregation—perhaps a relative or someone who used to be a close friend—to a congregation meeting. And how should we treat them if they attend? In the past, we wouldn't have greeted them. But in this case as well, each Christian should use their Bible-trained conscience. Some may feel comfortable greeting the person or welcoming them. However, what we wouldn't do is have a long conversation or socialize with them.

What does Jehovah want sinners to do? (Ezekiel 18:32)

Jehovah does not want anyone to be destroyed (read Ezekiel 18:32). He wants sinners to be reconciled to him (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is why Jehovah has so often called on those who have abandoned him to repent and return to him. How wonderful it is to imagine the joy in heaven when sinners repent!

How can elders cooperate with Jehovah?

Elders have the privilege of working with Jehovah to help those who have committed serious sin to repent (Rom. 2:4; 1 Cor. 3:9). Our heavenly Father, Jehovah, is overjoyed each time one of his lost sheep returns to the congregation. Let us continue to meditate on Jehovah’s compassion, mercy, and undeserved kindness; in this way, our love for him will grow stronger each day (Luke 1:78).

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