Saturday, January 31 Reprove before all onlookers those who practice sin, as a warning to the rest.​—1 Tim. 5:20.

[Anniebea]

Saturday, January 31

Reprove before all onlookers those who practice sin, as a warning to the rest.—1 Tim. 5:20.

 

Sometimes an announcement is made in the congregation that a person has been reproved. In such a case, we can continue to associate with him, knowing that he repented and abandoned his wrong course. He is still a part of the congregation and needs the encouragement that comes from associating with fellow believers. (Heb. 10:24, 25) However, the situation is quite different with a person who has been removed from the congregation. We “stop keeping company” with that person, “not even eating with such a man.” (1 Cor. 5:11) Does that mean we would completely ignore him? Not necessarily. Certainly, we would not socialize with him. But Christians can use their Bible-trained conscience in deciding whether to invite a person who was removed from the congregation—perhaps a relative or someone they were close to previously—to attend a congregation meeting. w24.08 30 ¶13-14