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  • Happy Are Those Whom God Corrects
    The Watchtower—1981 | September 1
    • 22, 23. How are cases of gross sin to be handled?

      22 As we have noted (in paragraph 7), an individual who ‘has committed serious sins’ needs the attention of “the older men of the congregation.” (Jas. 5:14, 15) These men are in a good position to offer godly correction to a person who has been overreached and has fallen into grievous sin. They can provide the spiritual help that he needs.​—Prov. 6:23.

      23 Usually a committee of three elders is designated to handle a case of grave wrongdoing. They do not act as mere judges or ‘spiritual policemen.’ They are shepherds of the flock, and prove to be such when dealing with an individual wrongdoer. A shepherd of literal sheep does not display a spirit of vengeance, harshness or faultfinding. Nor should the elders. They are there to help, not to condemn. (Jude 23) Their goal is to turn the sinner back from his way, if that is possible.​—Jas. 5:19, 20.

  • Repentance Leading Back to God
    The Watchtower—1981 | September 1
    • 5, 6. What does James 5:14-16 advise, and why is it reasonable for a wrongdoer to follow this counsel?

      5 In the case of grave sin, God wisely advises that a Christian ‘confessing his sins’ ought to take an additional step. In a context that evidently refers to spiritual sickness involving “sins,” the disciple James wrote: “Is there anyone sick among you? Let him call the older men [or, elders] of the congregation to him, and let them pray over him, . . . And the prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up. Also, if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him.”​—Jas. 5:14-16.

      6 This step is reasonable, for a Christian who has given in to grave sin displays a measure of spiritual weakness and a need for help. He could benefit from the prayers of faith of the “older men of the congregation.” They are in position, also, to offer him Biblical counsel and help so that he can regain spiritual strength. Further, some transgressions amount to sins against the Christian congregation, for they bring reproach and sorrow upon God’s people. This makes it even more appropriate that such a sinner seek the elders’ help.​—2 Cor. 2:10.

      7. How are the elders alerted to wrongdoing so that they can help? (Prov. 28:23; 29:24)

      7 It displays wisdom and humility on the part of the Christian guilty of grievous sin to approach the elders on his own. “He that is covering over [“who hides,” Lamsa] his transgressions will not succeed, but he that is confessing and leaving them will be shown mercy.” (Prov. 28:13) Sometimes, because of embarrassment, a feeling of guilt or a lack of heartfelt sorrow a sinner does not approach the elders, as James advises. Any Christian aware of the sin should encourage the wrongdoer to turn away from his error and seek the spiritual help that he needs. If the wrongdoer still will not go to the elders, the other Christian should alert them so that they can provide the needed help. All Christians should want to ‘turn a sinner back from the error of his way’ and thus “save his soul from death.”​—Jas. 5:19, 20.

      REPROVING WITH THE WORD OF GOD

      8. How do elders proceed in handling a committee meeting?

      8 When a judicial committee meets concerning wrongdoing, they prayerfully seek Jehovah’s guidance. In a manner appropriate for loving shepherds, the elders patiently discuss with the individual what appears to be the problem or wrongdoing. (Eph. 5:1, 2; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3) Even where there are witnesses who establish that wrongdoing has occurred, the judicial committee encourages the person to discuss frankly not only the wrong but what led up to it and how he feels about it. (Deut. 19:15; John 8:17) Why is this necessary?

      9, 10. At a committee hearing concerning wrongdoing, what are the elders striving to do? (Ps. 51:13)

      9 Though the elders hearing the case establish guilt or convince someone of wrongdoing, their primary interest is in helping their Christian brother who has gone astray. They want to move him to repent so that “refreshing may come from the person of Jehovah.” (Acts 3:19) If the individual does not admit the wrong, recognize its grievous nature or see the need to repent, they may have to present ‘convincing evidence concerning his sin and concerning righteousness.’ (Compare John 16:8.) But in giving such godly reproof they should not be vindictive or harsh. The Bible urges: “Reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all long-suffering and art of teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:1, 2) By firmly, kindly and patiently giving reproof, they may be able to reach the sinner’s heart, helping him to hate the wrong and to turn back to God.​—Jer. 3:12, 13.

      10 We can learn from Ezra’s example. He clearly showed the Jews their error. This was not primarily to shame them, but to get them to stop, to touch their heart, to move them to hate the wrong and to repent. They needed to make confession to Jehovah and to act in accord therewith by doing what they could to undo their wrong. (Ezra 10:7-14) Similarly, the committee handling a case of gross sin wants to help the wrongdoer to see the gravity of the wrong and to sense in his heart the need to repent.​—Isa. 1:18.

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