Monday, July 20 Kindly forgive and comfort him, so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sadness.​—2 Cor. 2:7.

[Áine]

Monday, July 20

Kindly forgive and comfort him, so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sadness.—2 Cor. 2:7.

 

Imagine what could happen if the elders refused to allow a truly repentant man back into the congregation or if after his return, the congregation refused to show him love. He could be swallowed up by “excessive sadness.” He could easily feel that his situation was hopeless. He might even give up in his efforts to repair his relationship with God. Even worse, if the other brothers and sisters in the congregation refused to forgive the repentant sinner, they would put their own relationship with Jehovah in jeopardy. Why? Because they would reflect, not Jehovah’s forgiving attitude toward repentant wrongdoers, but Satan’s harsh and merciless attitude. They would, in effect, become tools that the Devil could use to destroy the man spiritually.—2 Cor. 2:10, 11; Eph. 4:27. w24.08 17 ¶7, 10-11

[Mike047]

This can be one of the most challenging issues that our brothers and sisters face. Where there is a continuing problem, and it is not resolved, I have known brothers move to another congregation so as to avoid bringing a spirit of disharmony into a congregation.