"REMOVE THE WICKED PERSON"

 When a wrongdoer is unrepentant, the elders have no choice but to follow the direction found at 1Corinthians 5:13: "Remove the wicked person from among yourselves." In a sense, the wrongdoer had chosen that consequence; he is reaping what he has sown. (Galatians 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 Kings 17:12-15) His actions show that he has chosen not to abide by Jehovah's standards. - DEUTERONOMY 30:19, 20.

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. 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 Corinthians 5:9-11) That direction is given for good reason. The apostle Paul wrote: "A little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough." (1 Corinthians 5:6) Unrepentant wrongdoers can weaken the determination of those who are trying to live by Jehovah's righteous standards. - PROVERBS 13:20; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33.

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 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 dangerous position. (Ezekiel 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? 

Next time: HOW THE ELDERS ASSIST THOSE WHO ARE REMOVED 

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