Forgive One Another Freely - REACT IN A WAY THAT PLEASES JEHOVAH

 There may be times when you feel that you can help someone who has wronged you  to appreciate Christian standards.  The apostle Paul wrote:  "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.'  Do not let yourself be conquer by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good." (Romans 12:20, 21)  By your graciousness in the face of provocation, you may soften even the hardest of attitudes and bring out the good in people. By showing your understanding, empathy-even compassion-for the offender, you might be able to help him learn about Bible truths. Whatever the case, a mild response gives the individual an opportunity to reflect on your fine conduct. - 1 PETER 2:12; 3:16.

Under some circumstances, it would be inappropriate to have fellowship with certain people.  This would include those who were once part of the congregation but who sinned, were unrepentant, and were disfellowshipped.  If such an individual has hurt you, it might be extremely  difficult to forgive him even if he repents, since emotional wounds take time to heal. Under such  circumstances you might want to ask Jehovah to help you cultivate a forgiving spirit toward the repentant wrongdoer. After all, how can you know what is in the other person's heart? Jehovah knows. He examines a person's inclinations and is patient with wrongdoers.  (Psalm Psalms 7:9; Proverbs 17:3) That is why the Scriptures state: "Return evil for evil to no one.  Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon  you, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield to the wrath; for it is written: "Vengeance is mines saith the Lord I will repay, say Jehovah." (Romans 12:17-19)  Can you rightly condemn another person?  No.  (Matthew 7:1, 2)  But you can be confident that justice lies in God's hands.  

If you feel that you have been the victim of an injustice and find it difficult to forgive a  wrongdoer who has repented. It would be good to realize that the offender too is a victim.  He or she also suffers the effects of inherited imperfection.  (Romans 3:23)  Jehovah feels compassion toward all imperfect mankind. Therefore, it is appropriate to pray for the offender.  It is unlikely that we would continue being angry with someone for whom we are praying. And that we should avoid harboring resentment toward even those  who mistreat us is clear from Jesus' words: "Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you." - MATTHEW 5:44. 

Next time: Forgive One Another Freely - Conclusion of  REACT A WAY THAT PLEASES JEHOVAH

From the jw.org publications