DAILY TEXT, Friday, May 29, 2026. Reprove before all those present those who practice sin (1 Tim. 5:20).

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Friday, May 29, 2026

Reprove in front of all those present those who practice sin (1 Tim. 5:20).

As we see in today’s text, the apostle Paul told Timothy—who was also an elder—to reprove sinners “before all those present.” To whom was he referring? Not necessarily the entire congregation, but the few brothers and sisters who may already know what the sinner did, either because they saw it with their own eyes or because the sinner confessed it. Discreetly, the elders will tell only these brothers and sisters that the matter has been addressed and the sinner has been corrected. In some cases, the sin is widely known in the congregation or is likely to become so. Then “those present” would be the entire congregation. So an elder would announce to the congregation that the brother or sister has been reproved. Why? Paul explained: “So that it may serve as a warning to the others” and that they will not commit a serious sin. w24.08 23, 24 pars. 16, 17

What do elders do when a baptized minor commits a serious sin?

What if the baptized Christian who committed the serious sin is under 18 years of age? The body of elders will select two elders to meet with the minor and his/her Witness parents. These elders will find out what steps the parents have already taken to help their child make the necessary changes and repent. If the minor has a good attitude and is accepting his/her parents’ help, the two elders may decide that it is not necessary for a committee to meet with them. After all, God has given parents the responsibility to lovingly correct their children (Deut. 6:6, 7; Prov. 6:20; 22:6; Eph. 6:2-4). Afterward, the elders will talk with the parents from time to time to make sure that the minor continues to receive the help he/she needs. Now, what if the baptized minor does not repent and refuses to change? In that case, a committee of elders will meet with him/her and his/her Witness parents.

How do elders imitate Jehovah when dealing with those who commit serious sin?

Elders serving on committees want to make sure that the congregation remains clean because it is a responsibility Jehovah has given them (1 Cor. 5:7). But they also want to do all they can to help a Christian who has sinned to repent, and so they maintain an optimistic and positive attitude. In this way, they imitate Jehovah, who is “very loving and merciful” (Jas. 5:11). Consider these affectionate words that the apostle John wrote in his old age: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not commit a sin. But if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper who is with the Father: Jesus Christ, one who is righteous” (1 John 2:1).

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

Unfortunately, there are times when a Christian who has committed a serious sin refuses to repent. If that happens, it is necessary to remove him from the congregation. How do the elders handle these cases? We will see in the last article of this series.

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