Jehovah witness dating rules8/15/2023 ![]() For example, if the disfellowshipped one is present, he would not participate when the family gets together for family worship. So loyal family members can no longer have spiritual fellowship with him. Yet, by his course, the individual has chosen to break the spiritual bond between him and his believing family. Since his being disfellowshipped does not sever the family ties, normal day-to-day family activities and dealings may continue. In some instances, the disfellowshipped family member may still be living in the same home as part of the immediate household. ![]() How should we treat a disfellowshipped relative? We cannot here cover every situation that may arise, but let us focus on two basic ones. What if a relative is disfellowshipped? In such a case, the close bond between family members can pose a real test of loyalty. Losing precious fellowship with loved ones may help him to come “to his senses,” see the seriousness of his wrong, and take steps to return to Jehovah.- Luke 15:17. By supporting the decision of the judicial committee, we may touch the heart of a wrongdoer who thus far has failed to respond to the efforts of the elders to assist him. ( 1 Corinthians 5:6, 7) Third, our firm stand for Bible principles may even benefit the disfellowshipped one. ( Isaiah 48:17 1 John 5:3) Second, withdrawing from an unrepentant wrongdoer protects us and the rest of the congregation from spiritual and moral contamination and upholds the congregation’s good name. Love for God moves us to obey all his commandments, recognizing that he is just and loving and that his laws promote the greatest good. We obey Jehovah not only when it is convenient but also when doing so presents real challenges. First, it is a matter of loyalty to God and his Word. Is strict avoidance really necessary? Yes, for several reasons. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?” The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, page 25, stated: “A simple ‘Hello’ to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.” ( 2 John 9-11) We do not have spiritual or social fellowship with disfellowshipped ones. How should we treat a disfellowshipped person? The Bible says: “Stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.” ( 1 Corinthians 5:11) Regarding everyone who “does not remain in the teaching of the Christ,” we read: “Do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. a Consider some questions that arise on this subject. How we respond to the Bible’s direction on this matter can reveal the depth of our love for God and of our loyalty to his arrangement. Few things can hurt us more deeply than the pain we suffer when a relative or a close friend is expelled from the congregation for unrepentant sin.
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