1. What does Jehovah want for all people?

JEHOVAH created humans with free will. You use that gift regularly when you make decisions. The most important decision that any person can make is the decision to dedicate himself to Jehovah and to become part of His family of worshippers. Jehovah desires everyone to do so. Why? Because he loves people and wants the best for them. He wants them to enjoy a friendship with him and to live forever.​—Deut. 30:19, 20; Gal. 6:7, 8.

2. How does Jehovah feel about unrepentant wrongdoers? (1 John 2:1)

² However, Jehovah does not force anyone to serve him. He allows each individual to decide what he will do. What if a baptized Christian breaks God’s law, committing a serious sin? If he does not repent, he must be removed from the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:13) Yet, even then, Jehovah fervently hopes that the wrongdoer will return to Him. In fact, that is an important reason why he provided the ransom​—to make forgiveness possible for repentant sinners. (Read 1 John 2:1.) Our loving God warmly appeals to wrongdoers, urging them to repent.​—Zech. 1:3; Rom. 2:4; Jas. 4:8.

3. What will we discuss in this article?

³ Jehovah wants us to adopt his attitude toward wrongdoing and wrongdoers. This article will discuss the way we can do that. As you read the article, look for (1) how a case of serious wrongdoing was handled in the first-century congregation in Corinth, (2) what direction the apostle Paul gave when a wrongdoer repented, and (3) what this Bible account reveals about Jehovah’s attitude toward Christians who commit a serious sin.

HOW SERIOUS WRONGDOING WAS HANDLED IN THE FIRST CENTURY

4. What situation had developed in the first-century congregation in Corinth? (1 Corinthians 5:1, 2)

⁴ Read 1 Corinthians 5:1, 2. During his third missionary tour, Paul heard disturbing news about the newly established congregation in Corinth. A brother in that congregation was having sexual relations with his stepmother. Such behavior was shocking and was “not even found among the nations”! The congregation not only tolerated his behavior but also may have been rather proud of it. Perhaps some thought that it demonstrated how merciful and understanding God is toward imperfect humans. But Jehovah does not condone wrongdoing among his people. With such a brazen course, the man was surely damaging the good reputation of the congregation. He could also have been influencing other Christians who were associating with him. So, what did Paul direct the congregation to do?

5. What did Paul tell the congregation to do, and what did he mean? (1 Corinthians 5:13) (See also picture.)

⁵ Read 1 Corinthians 5:13. Under divine inspiration, Paul wrote a letter directing that the unrepentant sinner be removed from the congregation. How were faithful Christians to treat him? Paul told them “to stop keeping company” with him. What did that mean? Paul explained that this command included “not even eating with such a man.” (1 Cor. 5:11) Sitting down to a meal with someone can easily lead to having further association with him. Clearly, then, Paul meant that the congregation should not socialize with that man. This would protect the congregation from his corrupting influence. (1 Cor. 5:5-7) Additionally, their avoiding close contact with the man might cause him to realize how far he had strayed from Jehovah’s ways, and he might feel shame and be moved to repent.

6. What effect did Paul’s letter have on the congregation and on the wrongdoer?

⁶ After sending his letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul began to wonder how the congregation would react to it. Eventually, Titus brought news that delighted him. The congregation had responded well to Paul’s letter. (2 Cor. 7:6, 7) They had followed his instructions. Furthermore, during the months that passed since Paul sent the letter, the wrongdoer had repented of his sinful course! He had changed his conduct and attitude and had begun to follow Jehovah’s righteous standards. (2 Cor. 7:8-11) What would Paul now direct the congregation to do?

HOW THE CONGREGATION WAS TO TREAT THE REPENTANT SINNER

7. Removing the wrongdoer from the congregation produced what good result? (2 Corinthians 2:5-8)

⁷ Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-8. Paul noted that the “rebuke given by the majority [was] sufficient for such a man.” In other words, the discipline had served its purpose toward him. What purpose? To lead him to repentance.​—Heb. 12:11.

8. What did Paul next tell the congregation to do?

⁸ Paul therefore directed the congregation: “Kindly forgive and comfort” the erring brother, and “confirm your love for him.” Note that Paul wanted the congregation to do more than merely allow the man back among Jehovah’s people. Paul wanted them to assure the repentant man by their words, manner, and actions that they truly forgave him and loved him. They would thus make it clear that they welcomed his return to the congregation.

9. Why might some have been hesitant to forgive the repentant wrongdoer?

⁹ Did some in that congregation feel reluctant to welcome the repentant sinner back into their midst? The account does not tell us, but it is possible. After all, his actions brought trouble to the congregation as a whole and perhaps shame to certain individuals as well. Some might have felt that it was unfair that the man should be so warmly accepted as a brother when they were the ones who had fought so hard to remain morally clean. (Compare Luke 15:28-30.) Why, though, was it important for the congregation to show genuine love for their returning brother?

10-11. What could happen if the elders refused to forgive the repentant sinner?

¹⁰ Imagine what could happen if the elders refused to allow the truly repentant man back into the congregation or if after his return, the congregation refused to show him love. He could be swallowed up by “excessive sadness.” He could easily feel that his situation was hopeless. He might even give up in his efforts to repair his relationship with God.

¹¹ Even worse, if the other brothers and sisters in the congregation refused to forgive the repentant sinner, they would put their own relationship with Jehovah in jeopardy. Why? Because they would reflect, not Jehovah’s forgiving attitude toward repentant wrongdoers, but Satan’s harsh and merciless attitude. They would, in effect, become tools that the Devil could use to destroy the man spiritually.​—2 Cor. 2:10, 11; Eph. 4:27.

12. How could the congregation imitate Jehovah?

¹² How, then, could the congregation in Corinth imitate Jehovah, not Satan? By following Jehovah’s way of dealing with repentant sinners. Note what some Bible writers said about Jehovah. He is “good and ready to forgive,” said David. (Ps. 86:5) Micah wrote: “Who is a God like you, pardoning error and passing over the transgression?” (Mic. 7:18) And Isaiah stated: “Let the wicked man leave his way and the evil man his thoughts; let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, to our God, for he will forgive in a large way.”​—Isa. 55:7.

13. Why was it appropriate to reinstate the repentant sinner into the congregation? (See the box “When Was the Man in Corinth Reinstated?”)

¹³ To imitate Jehovah, the congregation in Corinth had to welcome the repentant man back and assure him of their love. By following Paul’s direction to welcome back the repentant sinner, the congregation showed their “obedience in all things.” (2 Cor. 2:9) True, only months had passed since he was removed, but the discipline had successfully led him to repentance. So there would be no point in delaying his reinstatement into the congregation.

REFLECTING JEHOVAH’S JUSTICE AND MERCY

14-15. What have we learned from the way the case in ancient Corinth was handled? (2 Peter 3:9) (See also picture.)

¹⁴ The account about the way the case in ancient Corinth was handled was written and preserved “for our instruction.” (Rom. 15:4) From that account, we learn that Jehovah does not tolerate serious wrongdoing among his people. He does not take the view that wrongdoers who are unrepentant should be “mercifully” allowed to continue associating with his faithful worshippers. Jehovah is merciful, but he is not permissive; nor does he lower his standards. (Jude 4) Indeed, to do so would not be merciful at all because it would endanger all in the congregation.​—Prov. 13:20; 1 Cor. 15:33.

¹⁵ Still, we learn that Jehovah does not want anyone to be destroyed. He wants to save people whenever possible. He shows mercy to people who have a change of heart and want to repair their relationship with him. (Ezek. 33:11; read 2 Peter 3:9.) Thus, when the man in Corinth repented and turned away from his sinful course, Jehovah used Paul to explain to the congregation that the man should be forgiven and welcomed back.

16. How do you feel about the way the case in Corinth was handled?

¹⁶ Our review of the way the case in Corinth was handled has helped us to see Jehovah’s love, righteousness, and justice in action. (Ps. 33:5) Are you not moved to give our God added praise? After all, we are sinners​—every one of us—​and we need his forgiveness. Each of us has reason to be grateful to Jehovah for the ransom, which makes forgiveness possible. How comforting, how reassuring, to know that Jehovah truly loves his people and wants the best for them!

17. What will be discussed in the following articles?

¹⁷ What, then, about handling cases of wrongdoing today? How can congregation elders reflect Jehovah’s desire to lead a wrongdoer to repentance? How should the congregation react when the elders decide to remove or to reinstate a person? These questions will be discussed in the following articles.

1. What is true of some who commit a serious sin?

IN THE preceding article, we saw how the apostle Paul handled a case of serious wrongdoing in Corinth. The sinner was unrepentant and had to be removed from the congregation. However, as our theme text shows, some who have committed a serious sin can be reached. They can be led to repentance. (Rom. 2:4) How can the elders help them to repent?

2-3. What should we do if we come to know that a fellow believer has committed a serious sin, and why?

² Before the elders can help, they need to be aware of the matter. So, what should we do if we come to know that a fellow believer has committed a serious sin​—something that could result in his being removed from the congregation? We should encourage the wrongdoer to go to the elders for help.​—Isa. 1:18; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2.

³ What, though, if the wrongdoer refuses to speak to the elders? Then we would go to the elders ourselves to make sure that the person will get the necessary help. That is the loving thing to do because we do not want to lose our brother or sister. If the wrongdoer continues in his course, he will further impair his relationship with Jehovah. He may also damage the reputation of the congregation. So we courageously take action out of love for Jehovah and for the wrongdoer.​—Ps. 27:14.

HOW THE ELDERS ASSIST THOSE WHO GET INVOLVED IN SERIOUS SIN

4. What is the elders’ goal when they meet with someone who has committed a serious sin?

⁴ When someone in the congregation commits a serious sin, the body of elders selects three qualified brothers from among them who will serve as a committee.a These men need to be modest and humble. While they will try to help the erring one to repent, they recognize that they cannot force someone to change. (Deut. 30:19) The elders acknowledge that not all wrongdoers will respond in a positive way, as did King David. (2 Sam. 12:13) Some wrongdoers may choose to ignore Jehovah’s admonition. (Gen. 4:6-8) Nevertheless, the elders’ goal is to lead the wrongdoer to repentance if at all possible. What principles guide them as they meet with the wrongdoer?

5. What counsel will the elders have in mind when they meet with the wrongdoer? (2 Timothy 2:24-26) (See also picture.)

⁵ The elders view the wrongdoer as a precious, lost sheep. (Luke 15:4, 6) Therefore, when they meet with the individual, they are not harsh in their speech, attitude, and approach; nor do they view the meeting as a mere routine in which they follow a set procedure. Instead, they will display the qualities found at 2 Timothy 2:24-26. (Read.) The elders remain mild, gentle, and kind as they strive to reach the wrongdoer’s heart.

6. How will the elders prepare their own heart before meeting with a wrongdoer? (Romans 2:4)

⁶ The elders prepare their own heart. They try to imitate Jehovah in all their dealings with a sinner, remembering Paul’s words: “God in his kindness is trying to lead you to repentance.” (Read Romans 2:4.) The elders must remember that they are primarily shepherds under the direction of Christ. (Isa. 11:3, 4; Matt. 18:18-20) Before meeting with the wrongdoer, the committee will prayerfully consider their goal: to lead the wrongdoer to repentance. They will do research in the Scriptures and in our publications and will pray for discernment. They will consider what they need to know about the individual’s background that may have contributed to his thinking, attitude, and conduct.​—Prov. 20:5.

7-8. How can the elders imitate Jehovah’s patience when they meet with a wrongdoer?

⁷ The elders imitate Jehovah’s patience. They keep in mind how Jehovah dealt with wrongdoers in the past. For example, Jehovah reasoned patiently with Cain, warning him about the consequences of sin and offering him hope of restoration. (Gen. 4:6, 7) Jehovah admonished David by means of the prophet Nathan, who used an illustration that touched the heart of the king. (2 Sam. 12:1-7) And Jehovah “kept sending” his prophets “again and again” to the wayward nation of Israel. (Jer. 7:24, 25) He did not wait for his people to repent before helping them. Rather, he took the initiative by urging them to repent.

⁸ Elders follow Jehovah’s example when trying to help those who have got involved in serious sin. As 2 Timothy 4:2 directs, they reason “with all patience” when dealing with a troubled fellow believer. A study note on that verse says of such an elder: “He would always need to show restraint, patiently appealing to [the sinner’s] desire to do what [is] right. If [the elder] were to give in to annoyance or frustration, he might alienate or even stumble [the sinner].”

9-10. How can elders help the sinner reason on his course?

⁹ The elders try to determine the circumstances that led up to the sin. For example, did the Christian slowly become weak because he neglected personal study or the ministry? Have his prayers to Jehovah become infrequent or superficial? Has he been allowing wrong desires to guide him? Has he made unwise choices in his associations or entertainment? How might such choices have affected his heart? Does he recognize how his recent decisions and actions have affected his Father, Jehovah?

¹⁰ By asking meaningful questions without being unnecessarily intrusive, the elders kindly draw out the wrongdoer and help him to reason on his course. (Prov. 20:5) In addition, they might use illustrations to help the person to reason and to see the wrongness of his actions, as Nathan did with David. Perhaps during the first meeting, the person will begin to feel real sorrow over the course he has followed. He may even repent.

11. How did Jesus deal with sinners?

¹¹ The elders strive to imitate Jesus. When dealing with Saul of Tarsus, the resurrected Jesus asked a probing question: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Jesus thereby helped him to reason on his wrong course. (Acts 9:3-6) And in the case of “that woman Jezebel,” Jesus said: “I gave her time to repent.”​—Rev. 2:20, 21.

12-13. How might the elders give a wrongdoer time to repent? (See also picture.)

¹² In imitation of Jesus, the elders are not hasty to conclude that a wrongdoer will not repent. While some may repent during the committee’s first meeting with them, others may need more time. So the elders may arrange to meet with the sinner more than once. Perhaps after that first meeting, the erring Christian will begin to think seriously about what he has been told. He may approach Jehovah in humble prayer. (Ps. 32:5; 38:18) Thus, at a subsequent meeting, the sinner may have a different spirit from the one he showed at the first meeting.

¹³ To help lead the sinner to repentance, the elders show empathy and kindness. They hope and pray that Jehovah will bless their efforts and that the wayward Christian may come to his senses and repent.​—2 Tim. 2:25, 26.

14. Who deserves the credit when a sinner repents, and why?

¹⁴ If the sinner repents, that is a cause for great joy! (Luke 15:7, 10) Who deserves the credit? Do the elders? Recall what Paul wrote about sinners: “Perhaps God may give them repentance.” (2 Tim. 2:25) A study note on that verse comments: “The credit for such a change in thinking and attitude goes, not to any human, but to Jehovah, who helps the wayward Christian make this vital change. Paul goes on to mention some of the beautiful results of such repentance​—it leads the sinner to a more accurate knowledge of the truth, it helps him come back to his proper senses, and it enables him to escape from Satan’s snares.​—2Ti 2:26.”

15. How may the elders continue to help a repentant wrongdoer?

¹⁵ When a wrongdoer repents, the committee will arrange for shepherding visits so that the person can continue to receive the help he needs to fight against Satan’s snares and to make straight paths for his feet. (Heb. 12:12, 13) Of course, the elders do not reveal to anyone the details of the sinner’s course. About what, though, might the congregation need to be informed?

“REPROVE BEFORE ALL ONLOOKERS”

16. According to 1 Timothy 5:20, what “onlookers” does Paul refer to?

¹⁶ Read 1 Timothy 5:20. Paul wrote those words to his fellow elder Timothy in connection with how to handle “those who practice sin.” What did he mean? He did not necessarily mean that the whole congregation were the “onlookers.” Rather, he was referring to those few who might already know of the sins. They could be eyewitnesses, or they could be those whom the wrongdoer confided in. The elders would discreetly make them aware that the matter was handled and that the sinner was corrected.

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

¹⁷ In some instances, the wrongdoing may have become widely known in the congregation or is likely to become known. In such a case, the “onlookers” would include the entire congregation. So an elder would announce to the congregation that the brother or the sister has been reproved. Why? Paul answers: “As a warning to the rest” not to fall into sin.

18. How will the elders handle situations involving baptized minors? (See also picture.)

¹⁸ What about baptized minors​—those under 18 years of age—​who engage in serious wrongdoing? The body of elders will arrange for two elders to meet with the minor and his Christian parents.b The elders will find out what steps the parents have already taken to help their child come to repentance. If the minor has a good attitude and the parents are reaching him, the two elders might decide that it is not necessary to take the matter any further. After all, it is the parents’ God-given responsibility to provide loving correction to their children. (Deut. 6:6, 7; Prov. 6:20; 22:6; Eph. 6:2-4) The elders will thereafter occasionally check with the parents to make sure that the minor is getting the help he needs. However, what if a baptized minor unrepentantly persists in a wrong course? In that case, a committee of elders will meet with him along with his Christian parents.

“JEHOVAH IS VERY TENDER IN AFFECTION AND MERCIFUL”

19. How do elders strive to imitate Jehovah when dealing with wrongdoers?

¹⁹ Elders who serve on committees have a responsibility before Jehovah to keep the congregation clean. (1 Cor. 5:7) They also want wrongdoers to be moved to repentance if possible. To that end, elders maintain a positive, hopeful outlook. Why? Because they want to imitate Jehovah, who is “very tender in affection and merciful.” (Jas. 5:11) Note how the aged apostle John showed such a spirit. He wrote: “My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one.”​—1 John 2:1.

20. What will we consider in the final article of this series?

²⁰ Sadly, there are times when a Christian refuses to repent. If so, he must be removed from the congregation. How do the elders handle such serious cases? We will consider that matter in the final article of this series.

1-2. (a) How does Jehovah view willful sin? (b) What is Jehovah’s hope toward wrongdoers?

JEHOVAH is not a permissive God; he does not condone sin. (Ps. 5:4-6) He requires that we respect his righteous standards, which he has set forth for us in his Word. Of course, Jehovah does not expect perfection from imperfect people. (Ps. 130:3, 4) At the same time, he does not tolerate ‘ungodly men who turn his undeserved kindness into an excuse for brazen conduct.’ (Jude 4) Indeed, the Bible speaks of the “destruction of the ungodly” at God’s war of Armageddon.​—2 Pet. 3:7; Rev. 16:16.

² However, Jehovah does not want anyone to suffer destruction. As we discussed earlier in this series of articles, the Bible clearly states that he “desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) Christian elders imitate Jehovah as they patiently try to help wrongdoers to change their ways and be restored to Jehovah’s favor. However, not all wrongdoers respond favorably. (Isa. 6:9) Some continue in a wrong course despite the elders’ repeated efforts to lead them to repentance. What is to be done in such a situation?

“REMOVE THE WICKED PERSON”

3. (a) What does the Bible say should be done with unrepentant sinners? (b) Why can we say that, in a sense, the wrongdoer has chosen to be removed from the congregation?

³ When a wrongdoer is unrepentant, the elders have no choice but to follow the direction found at 1 Corinthians 5:13: “Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.” In a sense, the wrongdoer has chosen that consequence; he is reaping what hea has sown. (Gal. 6:7) Why can we say that? Because he has refused to respond to repeated attempts by the elders to lead him to repentance. (2 Ki. 17:12-15) His actions show that he has chosen not to abide by Jehovah’s standards.​—Deut. 30:19, 20.

4. Why is an announcement made when an unrepentant wrongdoer is removed from the congregation?

⁴ When an unrepentant wrongdoer is removed from the congregation, an announcement is made to inform the congregation that he is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.b The purpose of that announcement is not to humiliate the wrongdoer. Rather, it is made so that the congregation can follow the Scriptural admonition to “stop keeping company” with that person, “not even eating with” him. (1 Cor. 5:9-11) That direction is given for good reason. The apostle Paul wrote: “A little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough.” (1 Cor. 5:6) Unrepentant wrongdoers can weaken the determination of those who are trying to live by Jehovah’s righteous standards.​—Prov. 13:20; 1 Cor. 15:33.

5. How should we view a person who has been removed from the congregation, and why?

⁵ How, then, should we view a fellow believer who is removed from the congregation? Although we do not socialize with him, we should view him as a lost sheep, not a lost cause. A sheep that has strayed from the fold may well return. Remember, that lost sheep dedicated himself to Jehovah. Sadly, he is not living up to that dedication at present, and that puts him in a dangerous position. (Ezek. 18:31) Nevertheless, as long as Jehovah’s mercy is available, there is hope that the person will return. How do the elders reflect that hope even toward a wrongdoer who has been removed from the congregation?

HOW THE ELDERS ASSIST THOSE WHO ARE REMOVED

6. What steps will the elders take to assist one who has been removed from the congregation?

⁶ Is the individual who has been removed from the congregation abandoned​—left completely on his own to find his way back to Jehovah? By no means! When informing an unrepentant wrongdoer that he will be removed from the congregation, the committee of elders will explain to him what steps he can take to return to the congregation. But the elders will do even more. In most cases, they will tell the wrongdoer that they would like to meet with him again after a few months have passed to see if he has had a change of heart. If the wrongdoer is willing to meet with them again, the elders will at that subsequent meeting make a warm appeal for him to repent and return. Even if he has not had a change of heart at that time, the elders will make periodic efforts to contact him in the future.

7. How do the elders reflect Jehovah’s compassion when dealing with a person who has been removed from the congregation? (Jeremiah 3:12)

⁷ The elders strive to reflect Jehovah’s compassion as they deal with someone who has been removed from the congregation. For example, Jehovah did not wait for his wayward people in ancient Israel to take the first step. Rather, he took the initiative to reach out to them even before they showed any signs of repentance. As noted in the second article in this series, Jehovah illustrated his compassion by telling the prophet Hosea to offer reconciliation to his wife, who was still sinning. (Hos. 3:1; Mal. 3:7) In imitation of Jehovah, Christian elders genuinely want the wrongdoer to return, and they do not make it difficult for him to do so.​—Read Jeremiah 3:12.

8. How does Jesus’ parable of the lost son offer further insight into Jehovah’s compassion and mercy? (Luke 15:7)

⁸ Recall Jesus’ parable of the lost son, as discussed in the second article in this series. When catching sight of his son returning home, the father “ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him.” (Luke 15:20) Notice that the father did not wait for his son to beg for forgiveness. Rather, he took the initiative, as any loving father would. The elders strive to show a similar attitude toward those who have strayed. They want these lost sheep to “come back home.” (Luke 15:22-24, 32) There is joy in heaven when a sinner returns, and there is joy on earth as well!​—Read Luke 15:7.

9. How does Jehovah warmly appeal to sinners?

⁹ From what we have considered so far, it is clear that Jehovah does not condone unrepentant wrongdoing. However, he does not turn his back on wrongdoers. He wants them to return. Jehovah’s feelings toward repentant wrongdoers are expressed at Hosea 14:4: “I will heal their unfaithfulness. I will love them of my own free will, because my anger has turned away.” What a strong incentive for elders to respond to any signs of repentance. And what a strong incentive for those who have left Jehovah to return without delay.

10-11. How will the elders try to help those who in the past were removed from the congregation?

¹⁰ What about individuals who in the past were removed from the congregation, perhaps many years ago? Such individuals may no longer be practicing the sin for which they were removed. In some situations, they may not even recall why they were removed. Whatever the case, the elders will try to locate and visit these individuals. During such visits, the elders will even offer to pray with them and make a warm appeal for them to return to the congregation. Of course, if a person has been away from the congregation for many years, he would no doubt be very weak spiritually. Therefore, if he indicates that he wants to return to the congregation, the elders might arrange for someone to conduct a Bible study with him, even though he has not yet been reinstated. In all cases, the elders would be the ones to arrange for the Bible study.

¹¹ In imitation of Jehovah’s compassion, the elders want to reach out and help as many as possible to know that the door is open for them to come back. When a sinner manifests repentance and abandons his wrong course, he can be reinstated without delay.​—2 Cor. 2:6-8.

12. (a) What situations require elders to be especially careful? (b) Why should we not feel that it is impossible for certain types of sinners to receive Jehovah’s mercy? (See also footnote.)

¹² In certain circumstances the elders need to be especially careful before reinstating someone. For example, if a person was guilty of child abuse or apostasy or if he schemed to end a marriage, the elders would want to be sure that he is truly repentant. (Mal. 2:14; 2 Tim. 3:6) They must protect the flock. At the same time, we need to realize that Jehovah will accept back any wrongdoer who shows genuine repentance and stops engaging in wrong conduct. So although the elders exercise due caution with those who have dealt treacherously with others, they should not go so far as to say that certain types of sinners can never receive Jehovah’s mercy.c​—1 Pet. 2:10.

WHAT THE CONGREGATION CAN DO

13. What is the difference between the way we treat someone who has been reproved by the elders and the way we treat someone who has been removed from the congregation?

¹³ As discussed in the preceding article, sometimes an announcement is made that a person has been reproved. In such a case, we can continue to associate with him, knowing that he repented and abandoned his wrong course. (1 Tim. 5:20) He is still a part of the congregation and needs the encouragement that comes from associating with fellow believers. (Heb. 10:24, 25) However, the situation is quite different with a person who has been removed from the congregation. We “stop keeping company” with that person, “not even eating with such a man.”​—1 Cor. 5:11.

14. How can Christians use their Bible-trained conscience in dealing with those who have been removed from the congregation? (See also picture.)

¹⁴ Does what we have considered mean that we would completely ignore a person who has been removed from the congregation? Not necessarily. Certainly, we would not socialize with him. But Christians can use their Bible-trained conscience in deciding whether to invite a person who was removed from the congregation​—perhaps a relative or someone they were close to previously—​to attend a congregation meeting. What if he attends? In the past, we would not greet such a person. Here again, each Christian needs to use his Bible-trained conscience in this matter. Some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person to the meeting. However, we would not have an extended conversation or socialize with the individual.

15. What type of sinners are described at 2 John 9-11? (See also the box “Were John and Paul Discussing the Same Kind of Sin?”)

¹⁵ Some may wonder, ‘Doesn’t the Bible say that a Christian who says a greeting to such a person becomes a sharer in his wicked works?’ (Read 2 John 9-11.) The context of this scripture shows that this direction refers to apostates and others who actively promote wrong conduct. (Rev. 2:20) Therefore, if a person is actively promoting apostate teachings or other wrongdoing, the elders would not arrange to visit him. Of course, there is hope that he will come to his senses. Until that happens, though, we would neither greet such a person nor invite him to attend a congregation meeting.

IMITATING JEHOVAH’S COMPASSION AND MERCY

16-17. (a) What does Jehovah want sinners to do? (Ezekiel 18:32) (b) How can elders show themselves to be fellow workers with Jehovah when trying to help wrongdoers?

¹⁶ What have we learned in this five-part series? Jehovah does not want anyone to be destroyed! (Read Ezekiel 18:32.) He wants sinners to be reconciled to him. (2 Cor. 5:20) That is why throughout history, Jehovah has repeatedly urged his wayward people​—as well as wayward individuals—​to repent and return to him. Congregation elders are privileged to be fellow workers with Jehovah as they strive to lead wrongdoers to repentance.​—Rom. 2:4; 1 Cor. 3:9.

¹⁷ Imagine the joy in heaven when sinners repent! Our heavenly Father, Jehovah, personally experiences that joy every time one of his lost sheep returns to the congregation. Our love for Jehovah continues to deepen as we meditate on his compassion, mercy, and undeserved kindness.​—Luke 1:78.