Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision

THE LOVING WAY TO DEAL WITH DISFELLOWSHIPPED ONES

True, disfellowshipping is a spiritual tragedy, but the tragedy need not become an unmitigated disaster.  All of us play a role in making sure that the disfellowshipping serves its purpose.  

Elders who have had the task of communicating a disfellowshipping decision strive to reflect Jehovah's love.  When informing the person of their decision, they kindly and clearly explain the steps he needs to take to be reinstated in the congregation. For the sake of reminding disfellowshipped ones of how they can return to Jehovah, elders may periodically visit those who have given some evidence of changing their ways. 

Family members can show love for the congregation and the erring one by respecting the disfellowshipping decision.   "He was still my son, explains Julian, "but his lifestyle had put up a barrier between us." 

All in the congregation can show principled love by avoiding contact and conversation with the disfellowshipped person.  (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 John 10, 11)  They thus reinforce the discipline  that Jehovah has given him through the elders.  Furthermore, they can give extra love and support to the family of the disfellowshipped one, who suffer considerably and who should not be made to feel that they too are excluded from association with fellow believers. -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: DOES IT DO ANY GOOD TO PRAY? -COVER SUBJECT: WHY DO PEOPLE PRAY?

From the Watchtower magazine