DAILY TEXT, Saturday, April 18, 2026. If anyone commits a sin, we have a helper (1 John 2:1).

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Saturday, April 18, 2026

If anyone commits a sin, we have a helper (1 John 2:1).

The most important decision a person can make is to dedicate himself to Jehovah and become part of his family. In fact, Jehovah wants everyone to make that decision. Why? Because he wants them to enjoy his friendship and live forever. (Deut. 30:19, 20; Gal. 6:7, 8)

Jehovah does not force anyone to serve him, but leaves it up to each person to decide what to do. Now, what happens if a baptized Christian commits a serious sin? If he does not repent, he must be removed from the congregation (1 Cor. 5:13). But even in that case, Jehovah wholeheartedly desires his return to him. In fact, a major reason he gave the ransom is so that he could forgive those who repent of their sins. Our God is so loving that he reaches out to sinners and encourages them to repent (Zech. 1:3; Rom. 2:4; Jas. 4:8). w24.08 14 pars. 1, 2

What was happening in the congregation in Corinth? (1 Corinthians 5:1, 2).

(Read 1 Corinthians 5:1, 2.) During his third missionary journey, Paul learned of something terrible happening in the newly formed congregation in Corinth: a Christian was having sexual relations with his stepmother. Paul described the situation as “a case of such gross immorality that even unbelievers do not tolerate it.” The congregation not only tolerated his conduct but may even have been proud of it. Some may have felt that it showed how merciful and understanding God is toward human imperfections. But Jehovah does not tolerate sin among his people. Surely that man was damaging the congregation’s good reputation with such brazen behavior. He could also be a bad influence on other Christians in the congregation. So, what instructions did Paul give the brothers in Corinth?

What did Paul write to the congregation, and what did he mean? (1 Corinthians 5:13)

(Read 1 Corinthians 5:13.) Paul wrote under inspiration that they should remove from the congregation the unrepentant sinner. How should faithful Christians treat him? Paul told them to stop associating with him and not even eat with him (1 Cor. 5:11). When we eat with someone, it usually leads to conversation and spending more time with that person. So Paul meant that the brothers in the congregation should not socialize with that man. In this way, the congregation would be protected from his bad influence (1 Cor. 5:5-7). Furthermore, this might cause the man to see that he had hurt Jehovah, feel ashamed of what he had done, and be motivated to repent.

What effect did Paul's letter have on the congregation and on the sinner?

After sending the letter to the congregation in Corinth, Paul began to wonder how the brothers would react. After some time, Titus gave him very good news: they had reacted well and had followed the apostle’s instructions (2 Cor. 7:6, 7). Furthermore, some time after Paul sent his letter, that man repented. He changed his conduct and his attitude and began to obey Jehovah’s righteous standards (2 Cor. 7:8-11). What instructions would Paul now give to the congregation?

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