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  • Be Honest in All Things
    “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”
    • 11, 12. (a) In what ways do some who become involved in serious wrongdoing compound the problem? (b) What are some lies that Satan promotes regarding serious sins, and how may we combat them? (c) How can we show ourselves honest with Jehovah’s organization?

      11 It is particularly important that we be honest with those taking the lead in the congregation. Some who become involved in serious wrongdoing compound the problem by trying to cover up their sin and lying to congregation elders when asked about it. Such ones even begin to lead a double life, pretending to serve Jehovah while pursuing a course of serious sin. In effect, such a course turns a person’s whole life into a lie. (Psalm 12:2) Others tell the elders part of the truth while concealing essential facts. (Acts 5:1-11) Such dishonesty often stems from believing in lies that Satan promotes.​—See the box “Satanic Lies Regarding Serious Sins.”

      SATANIC LIES REGARDING SERIOUS SINS

      When it comes to serious sins, there are some dangerous lies that Satan would love for you to believe. Happily, Christians are not ignorant of the Devil’s “crafty acts.” (Ephesians 6:11) Consider three of such lies.

      • “Sins can be hidden.” In truth, Jehovah sees everything that we do. “All things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.” (Hebrews 4:13) Since Jehovah knows the facts and since we must give an account to him, why add to our guilt by attempting to hide a serious sin from his human servants?​—See also 2 Samuel 12:12.

      • “The elders cannot be trusted, so don’t tell them anything.” Wicked King Ahab addressed Elijah this way: “O my enemy!” (1 Kings 21:20) As Jehovah’s prophet in Israel, Elijah could have helped Ahab gain forgiveness. In the Christian congregation, Jesus provides the elders as “gifts in men.” (Ephesians 4:8) Though imperfect, the elders are “keeping watch over” us, that is, looking out for our spiritual health and welfare. (Hebrews 13:17) They are not the enemy; they are Jehovah’s means of helping us.

      • “You protect a friend by helping him to conceal his sins.” The truth is, we would do a sinner great harm by helping to conceal his sins. Serious sins are signs of real spiritual illness; concealing them is like hiding serious symptoms from a qualified doctor. (James 5:14, 15) The sinner may fear the possibility of discipline; but discipline is an expression of Jehovah’s love, and it may well save the sinner’s life. (Proverbs 3:12; 4:13) Furthermore, the persistent sinner likely presents a real danger to others in the congregation. Would you want to assist in the spread of his wrong attitudes that led him into sin? (Leviticus 5:1; 1 Timothy 5:22) By all means, then, make sure that the erring one brings the matter to the attention of the congregation elders.

  • Be Honest in All Things
    “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”
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