Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision

HOW CAN WE SHOW THAT WE LOVE DISFELLOWSHIPPED ONES?

It is a tragedy when someone is disfellowshipped. But it does not mean that he can never come back to Jehovah. It is  important  that all of us allow the discipline to work. How can we do that? 

Elders always try to imitate Jehovah's love, especially when they have to tell someone that he is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  They kindly and clearly explain what he needs to do to come back to Jehovah and be a part of  the congregation again. If someone who had been disfellowhipped shows that he wants to come back to the congregation, the elders may visit him from time to time to remind him of what he can do to come back to Jehovah." 

Family members show love for the congregation and the disfellowshipped person when they support the decision made by the elders.  Julian explains:  "He was still my son, but his lifestyle  had put up a barrier between us."

All in the congregation show true love to the disfellowshipped person by supporting the discipline that Jehovah has given him through the elders.  This means that they should not spend time with him or even talk to him.  (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 John 10, 11) Also, the congregation should give extra  love and support to the family of the disfellowshipped one. This is  a very difficult dime for the family. We should never make them feel that they also have been excluded from the congregation. - Romans 12:13, 15.

"Disfellowshipping is an arrangement  that we need, one that helps us live according to Jehovah's standards.,"  Julian concludes. "in the long run, despite  the pain, it brings good results. Had I been tolerant of my son's bad conduct, he would never have recovered." 

Next time: Prayers for Peace Can They Stop Terrorism? -Is Hope for Peace Fading?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015