Responding to Sin With Love and Mercy

 "God in his kindness is trying to lead you to repentance." - ROMANS 2:4. 

IN THE preceding article, we saw how the apostle Paul handed a case of serious wrongdoing in Corinth. The sinner was unrepentant and had to be removed from the congregation. However, as our them text shows, some who have committed a serious sin can be reached.  They can be led to repentance. (Romans 2:4) How can the elders help them to repent? 

Before the elders can help, they need to be aware of the matter, so, what should we do if we come to know that a fellow believer has committed a serious sin-something that could result in his being removed from the congregation? We should encourage the wrongdoer to go to the elders for help. - ISAIAH 1:18; ACTS 20:28; 1 PETER 5:2. 

What, though, if the wrongdoer refuses to speak to the elders? Then we would go to the elders ourselves to make sure that the person will get the necessary help. That is the loving thing to do because we do not want to lose our brother or sister. If the wrongdoer continues in his course, he will further impair his relationship with Jehovah. He may also damage the reputation of the congregation. So we courageously take action out of love for Jehovah and the wrongdoer.  - PSALM 27:14. 

Next time: HOW THE ELDERS ASSIST THOSE WHO GET INVOLVED IN SERIOUS SIN

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