Comments You Will Not Hear at the 01-27-2013 WT Study (NOVEMBER 15, 2012, pages 26-30)(FORGIVE ANOTHER)
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http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20121115/christians-forgive-freely/
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FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER FREELY
“Continue putting up
with one another and
forgiving one another
freely.”—COL. 3:13.
HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND?
Why must we be willing to forgive?
How did Jesus illustrate the need to be forgiving?
What blessings do we receive because of freely forgiving one another?
OPENING COMMENTS
Four scriptures that must be read at the meeting but how many scriptures: snippets, citations, quotations?
Paragraphs 1,2 = 0
Paragraphs 3-4 = 1 partial, verses 33 and 34, quote with a bracketed phrase [the unforgiving slave]; is it in the NWT? No, how many jws would notice that?
(Matthew 18:21-34) 33 Ought you not, in turn, to have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I also had mercy on you?’34 With that his master, provoked to wrath, delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay back all that was owing.
Paragraph 5 = 2 quotation
Paragraph 6 = 0
Paragraph 7 = 3 citations
Paragraph 8 = 1 snippet
Paragraph 9 = 0
Paragraph 10 = 1 quotation
Paragraph 11 = 1 snippet (verse)
Paragraph 12 = 0
Paragraph 13 = 1 quotation; 2 citations
Paragraph 14 = 3 citations; 1 partial quote
Paragraph 15 = 1 citation; 1 snippet
Paragraph 16 = 1 citation (Mt. 18:18)
Paragraph 17 = 2 citations
Paragraph 18 = 0
Note that the article has no contemporary pictures of men having problems forgiving, hmm.
START OF ARTICLE
1, 2. Why is it appropriate to consider your willingness to
forgive?
JEHOVAH’S written Word enables us to learn
how he views sin and how he reacts when we
commit sins. His Word also reveals much about
forgiveness. In the preceding article, we focused
on how the attitudes of David and Manasseh elicited
Jehovah’s forgiveness. Their contrite, heartfelt
sorrow over what they had done led them to confession,
rejection of their wicked acts, and genuine
repentance. In turn, Jehovah restored them to his favor.
COMMENTS
But can jws learn from the bible alone or:
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.—
But did God forgive any contemporaries of David or Manasseh for adultery and/or murder? No because the Law gave no out for them.
2 Let us examine forgiveness from a different perspective.
How do you think you would have felt toward
Manasseh if his innocent victims had included
one of your relatives? Would you have been able
to forgive Manasseh? That is a pertinent question today
because we live in a lawless, violent, and selfish
world. So why should a Christian want to cultivate a
forgiving attitude? And if you suffer an affront or an
injustice, what can help you to keep your emotions
under control, react as Jehovah would want you to,
and be willing to forgive?
COMMENTS
How could Manasseh prove that God had forgiven him; how could or did any prove? Did Manasseh seek out a way to ask for forgiveness from the families of his victims; did he make amends to them, perhaps for any financial troubles they had as a result?
Adultery, deliberate murder, and child sacrifice are not AFFRONTS.
Why not advice to the unjust one to ask forgiveness and make concrete amends?
Making amends is more than an apology.
http://www.umass.edu/fambiz/articles/resolving_conflict/meaningful_apology.html
A meaningful apology is one that communicates what I call the three R's--regret, responsibility, and remedy.
- A statement of regret for having caused the inconvenience, hurt or damage. This includes an expression of empathy toward the other person, including an acknowledgement of the inconvenience, hurt, or damage that you caused the other person. Having empathy for the person you hurt or angered is the most important part of your apology. When you truly have empathy the other person will feel it. Your apology will wash over him or her like a healing balm. On the other hand, if you don't have empathy your apology will sound and feel empty.
- An acceptance of responsibility for your actions. This means not blaming anyone else for what you did and not making excuses for your actions but instead accepting full responsibility for what you did and for the consequences of your actions.
- A statement of your willingness to take some action to remedy the situation--either by promising to not repeat your action, a promise to work toward not making the same mistake again, a statement as to how you are going to remedy the situation…or by making restitution for the damages you caused.
WHY WE NEED TO BE FORGIVING
3-5. (a) What illustration did Jesus use to help his listeners
think about the need to be forgiving? (b)What is the point of
Jesus’ illustration recorded at Matthew 18:21-35?
3 A willingness to forgive those who offend us
—whether they are members of the Christian congregation
or not—is essential if we are to maintain
peaceful relations with family members, friends, fellow
humans, and Jehovah. The Scriptures indicate
that a willingness to forgive others regardless of how
often they offend us is a Christian requirement. In
order to illustrate the reasonableness of
this requirement, Jesus used an illustration
about a slave who was a debtor.
COMMENTS
“regardless of how often they offend us” Does child abuse just offend the victim? Does it matter if it is once or several times?
Were David and Manasseh guilty of OFFENDING people or murder?
4 The slave owed his master the equivalent
of a laborer’s wages for 60,000,000 days;
yet, his master canceled the
debt. Thereafter, the slave went out and
found a fellow slave who owed him a
sum that amounted to only 100 days’
wages. The debtor pleaded for patience,
but the slave who had been forgiven a
huge debt had his fellow slave thrown
into prison. That attitude angered their
master. “Ought you not . . . to have had
mercy on your fellow slave, as I also had
mercy on you?” the master asked. “With
that his master, provoked to wrath, delivered
[the unforgiving slave] to the jailers,
until he should pay back all that was
owing.”—Matt. 18:21-34.
COMMENTS
Does Matthew 18 apply to situations of murder, adultery, fornication, etc., things jws can be df’d for by the elders?
*** w94 7/15 p. 23 How Do You Settle Differences? ***
The possibility of an unrepentant wrongdoer being disfellowshipped shows that Matthew 18:15-17 does not pertain to minor differences . Jesus was referring to serious offenses, yet of the type that might be settled between just the two individuals concerned. For example, the offense might be slander, seriously affecting the victim’s reputation. Or it might pertain to financial matters, for succeeding verses contain Jesus’ illustration of the merciless slave who had been forgiven a great debt. (Matthew 18:23-35) A loan not repaid in the allotted time might be just a passing difficulty that could easily be resolved between the two individuals. But it could become a serious sin, namely, theft, if the borrower obstinately refused to repay what was owed.
5 What point did Jesus make with this
illustration? His conclusion was: “In like
manner my heavenly Father will also
deal with you if you do not forgive each
one his brother from your hearts.” (Matt.
18:35) Jesus’ point is clear. The sins we
have committed during a lifetime of imperfection
give evidence that we are hopelessly unable
to meet Jehovah’s standards. Yet, he is willing to forgive
us and to wipe the slate clean, as
it were. Hence, anyone who desires Jehovah’s
friendship is obliged to forgive
the shortcomings of his fellow human.
Or as Jesus said in the Sermon on the
Mount: “If you forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also
forgive you; whereas if you do not forgive
men their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses.”
—Matt. 6:14, 15.
COMMENTS
Did they forgive Judas; did they forgive Peter; why not, both betrayed Jesus?
But do jws forgive..why are reinstated jws put on “restrictions”? Years ago they were put on “probation” making reinstatement conditional, being df’d if violated without another judicial committee?
*** w66 9/1 p. 542 A Provision for Spiritual Help in Times of Need ***
If the wrong committed was not a public scandal, but serious enough to require discipline, then the erring one can be placed on a probation that is not announced to the congregation. During this time, usually one year, he should be given regular spiritual assistance to overcome his difficulty. Then the probation is lifted, again without announcement to the congregation. What a loving provision of God for truly repentant ones who fall into serious wrongdoing!
If the sin was grievous and a public scandal, then where mercy is shown, a probation period is again imposed, but this time it is announced to the congregation. Yet in this case, as in an unannounced probation, there is a loving effort to help the erring one.
*** w56 10/1 p. 595 par. 32 Marriage Obligations and Divorce ***
If after disfellowshipment that one shows the fruitage of repentance and seeks to get back into the congregation, that one may be reinstated and put on a long probation, for at least a year, and then, being found on good behavior, he may be formally relieved of the restrictions imposed upon him and be fully received back.
Or what about the sensational grudges in congregations where sisters would not be householder for another, would not go to the same book study, sat on the opposite side of the KH, would not go in the same car group let alone go together door to door (brothers too). The ones that would tell jws new to the congregation all the foundations of these grudges.
6. Why is it not always easy to forgive?
What was the point of this
illustration used by Jesus?
6 ‘That all sounds fine in theory,’ you
might say, ‘but it is easier said than
done.’ That is because reactions to personal
offenses are often emotional. A
person may feel anger, a sense of betrayal,
the desire for justice or even revenge.
In fact, some feel that they will never
be able to forgive the offender. If you feel
similarly, how can you cultivate the forgiving
attitude that Jehovah requires?
COMMENTS
The biggest offenders are the elders and their families because they have the perceived authority. What about intentional sins?
*** w67 9/1 pp. 536-537 par. 11 The Tongue—A Power for Good or for Bad ***
But when one unintentionally, through thoughtless speech, wounds another, he ought to be humble enough to swallow his pride and apologize, ask for forgiveness. He should not allow the breach to widen. He ought to heal it at the first opportunity. He should not let the sun set upon him in a provoked state. Making amends for indiscretions in speech is commendable. Not only will one be healing what might become a deep wound, but his own conscience will be clear before God and the one offended.
ANALYZE YOUR EMOTIONS
7, 8. What can help you to respond in a forgiving
way if you have been upset by the unkind
conduct of others?
7 Emotional responses to real or supposed
offenses can be very strong. Consider
the following reaction of one
young man, as described in a study on
anger: “Once . . . in an angry fit, I walked
out of the house vowing I would never
return. It was a beautiful summer day,
and I walked far along lovely lanes, till
gradually the stillness and beauty
calmed and soothed me, and after some
hours I returned repentant and almost
melted.” As this experience illustrates,
giving yourself time to calm down and
view the situation more dispassionately
may help you to avoid responding in an
unforgiving way that you may later regret.—
Ps. 4:4; Prov. 14:29; Jas. 1:19, 20.
COMMENTS
The WTS likes to suggest that most offenses are “supposed” not “real” undermining your ability to judge the difference. Of course jws are never liars, adulterers, thieves, wife and/or child abusers, slanderers…just because they have the label?
I can remember the elders meetings my uncles, brother, cousins, went to where a whole lot of screaming went on (7 congregations). Or the elders on judicial committees that screamed and verbally abused the “sheep” they said they were trying to help.
Anger is expressed like that more often by a person who perceives they have power and authority to do so.
8 What, though, if a negative emotion
persists? Try to determine why you are
upset. Is it because you have been treated
unfairly, perhaps discourteously? Or
is it because you feel that the other person
deliberately attempted to hurt you?
Was his or her action really so bad? Analyzing
and understanding the reason
for your reaction will allow you to consider
what would be the best and Scripturally
proper response. (Read Proverbs
15:28; 17:27.) Such reasoning may help
you to be more objective and willing to
forgive. By adopting such an approach,
difficult though it may be, you permit
God’s word to examine the “thoughts
and intentions of [your] heart” and
guide you in imitating Jehovah’s forgiving
attitude.—Heb. 4:12.
COMMENTS
Deliberately attempted to hurt you….really so bad? What!?
What is objective in WT parlance?
[your] why brackets?
SHOULD YOU TAKE IT PERSONALLY?
9, 10. (a) How might you react to a perceived
offense? (b) How can adopting a positive, forgiving
spirit change your outlook on life?
9 Many situations in life provoke negative
reactions. While you are driving
your automobile, for instance, suppose
another car nearly collides with your vehicle.
How will you react? You have read
about episodes of road rage in which an
individual became so angry that he attacked
the other driver. As a Christian,
however, you certainly would not want
to do such a thing.
COMMENTS
Road rage – so is this a common jw problem or the worst problem in a congregation? What about the alcoholic jws that get no help especially elders. I had a congregation overseer that popped up in the DUI newspapers lists for years but was not removed until after 40 years and a serious accident that killed a non-jw.
Or the 3 elders that maxed out their points and lost their licenses but continued to drive.
10 How much better it would be to
take a moment to analyze matters. Perhaps
you were partly to blame for what
took place because you were distracted
in some way. Or the other driver may
have had a mechanical problem with his
car. The point of this scenario is that we
can lessen anger, disappointment, and
other negative emotions with understanding,
open-mindedness, and a willingness
to forgive. “Do not hurry yourself
in your spirit to become offended,”
says Ecclesiastes 7:9, “for the taking of
offense is what rests in the bosom of
the stupid ones.” Do not take things
so personally. On many occasions, what
may be thought of as a deliberate personal
offense is nothing of the sort; it is
just a result of imperfection or a misunderstanding.
Try to be open-minded regarding
what seem to be unkind acts or
words, and be willing to forgive out of
love. You will be happier if you succeed.
—Read 1 Peter 4:8.
COMMENTS
Partly to blame (5%, 10%, 15%, 40%?) Or perhaps you clearly say them texting..but road rage would not help; take their license, car description, driver description, if your passengers saw something, and turn it over to the police right away.
And when the person made it clear that it was personal….a jw reasoned with me if a person punched you in the face every time you saw them, would you take it personally, see it as deliberate, not a result of imperfection or a misunderstanding? You would learn to stay out of punching range.
‘MAY YOUR PEACE RETURN TO YOU’
11. The reactions of people to the good news
should elicit what response in us as Kingdom
proclaimers?
11 How can you maintain self-control
if someone is rude to you while you are
engaging in field service? When Jesus
sent out 70 preachers, he told them to
wish peace upon every house they visited.
“If a friend of peace is there, your
peace will rest upon him,” Jesus said.
“But if there is not, it will turn back
to you.” (Luke 10:1, 5, 6) We are happy
when people respond favorably to our
ministry, for then they may benefit from
the message we bear. Sometimes, however,
the response is anything but
peaceable. What then? Jesus said that
the peace we wished on the household
should remain with us. In any case, we
should be able to leave each door with
peace in our hearts, regardless of how
people treat us. If we were to respond to
a provocation by getting upset, we could
not maintain our peace.
COMMENTS
Notice that Jesus sent out the 12 male apostles, then 70 male preachers…no women.
Do jws wish peace or do they say “there’s a goat” or judge them as dying when Armageddon comes?
How peaceable are jws when non-jws drop by their doors unannounced? Poll takers, people seeking new customers, etc. Is it a chance to witness or do they send them on their way?
I have been with jws at the door that got into an argument about saluting the flag, saying the person’s religion is false, telling them that non-jws will soon die (Bill Cosby’s tactic re Noah)? I refused to go door to door with them after the 2 nd time.
I just wondering,
What would be the effect of an Ark on the average neighbor?
Now, here's a guy going to work, 7 o'clock in the morning
Noah’s next door neighbor and he sees the Ark.
Hey!
You up there!
What you want?
What is this?
It's an Ark
Aha
You wanna get it outta my driveway?
I gotta get to work
Listen, what this thing for anyway?
I can't tell you
Hahahahaha!
Well, I mean can't you give me a little hint?
You wanna a hint?
Yes, please
How long can you tread water?
Hahahah!
Judged goats pre-Armageddon
*** w58 12/1 p. 717 Pursuing My Purpose in Life *** What made work harder at times (aside from some goatish people and the ones not interested)
*** w51 1/1 p. 29 Sharing in the Final Witness ***
Scoffers, critics and indifferent ones are classed with those who violently persecute God’s witnesses. They are goatish and their end will be everlasting cutting off in second death.
*** w51 3/1 p. 155 par. 23 No Relief for the Rich, but Comfort for the Poor ***
Recognizing God’s favor upon us, we no longer look to the goatish religious leaders and go to them as beggars for spiritual favors.
*** w50 6/1 p. 176 Field Experience ***
While group witnessing in Pasadena, California, finding very little interest, I came to a house on the corner. A goatish woman at the door cared more for her religious fodder than for the bread of life, so I went to a small house in the rear,
12. According to Paul’s words at Ephesians 4:
31, 32, how should we act?
12 Strive to maintain your peace in all
situations, not just in the Christian ministry.
Naturally, willingness to forgive
others does not mean that you have to
approve of their wrong behavior or minimize
the damage it does. Forgiving,
though, does mean letting go of any resentment
for such wrongs and maintaining
your own peace. By dwelling on
negative thoughts and mulling over how
badly they have been treated, some people
let the behavior of others rob them
of happiness. Do not let such thoughts
control you. Remember that you cannot
be happy when you harbor resentment.
Therefore, be forgiving!—Read Ephesians
4:31, 32.
COMMENTS
Forgive…does not mean have to approve..but if you say nothing that it is harmful what chance it will stop…let go of resentment…….until it happens again and again and again………but I can see distancing yourself, let go though, what that person says does not matter if you believe God is doing the judging.
REACT IN A WAY THAT PLEASES JEHOVAH
13. (a) How does a Christian “heap fiery coals”
on his enemy’s head? (b) What may result from
a mild response to provocation?
13 There may be times when you feel
that you can help someone who has
wronged you to appreciate Christian
standards. The apostle Paul wrote: “ ‘If
your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is
thirsty, give him something to drink; for
by doing this you will heap fiery coals
upon his head.’ Do not let yourself be
conquered by the evil, but keep conquering
the evil with the good.” (Rom. 12:
20, 21) By your graciousness in the face
of provocation, you may soften even the
hardest of attitudes and bring out the
good in people. By showing understanding,
empathy—even compassion—for the
offender, you might be able to help him
learn Biblical truths. Whatever the case,
a mild response gives the individual an
opportunity to reflect on your fine conduct.—
1 Pet. 2:12; 3:16.
COMMENTS
Feel……..wronged (WTS explains away everything)
So how can a sister “help someone to appreciate Christians standards” or “help him learn Biblical truths” since women cannot “counsel” a sister and definitely not a brother…so how does this work then?
14. Regardless of how badly a person has treated
you, why should you refrain from harboring
resentment?
14 Under some circumstances, it
would be inappropriate to have fellowship
with certain people. This would include
those who were once part of the
congregation but who sinned, were unrepentant,
and were disfellowshipped. If
such an individual has hurt you, it might
be extremely difficult to forgive him even
if he repents, since emotional wounds
take time to heal. Under such circumstances,
you might keep on asking Jehovah
to help you cultivate a forgiving spirit
toward the repentant wrongdoer. After
all, how can you know what is in the
other person’s heart? Jehovah knows . He
examines a person’s innermost inclinations
and is patient with wrongdoers.
(Ps. 7:9; Prov. 17:3) That is why the Scriptures
state: “Return evil for evil to no
one. Provide fine things in the sight of
all men. If possible, as far as it depends
upon you, be peaceable with all men.
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but
yield place to the wrath; for it is written:
‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,
says Jehovah.’ ” (Rom. 12:17-19) Can you
rightly condemn another person? No.
(Matt. 7:1, 2) But you can be confident
that justice lies in God’s hands.
COMMENTS
So in the jw congregation who decides if someone is repentant, IMPERFECT elders who cannot read hearts or minds by their own admission. How does God direct these IMPERFECT elders know that the person has repented?
*** w10 6/15 pp. 13-14 par. 15 Keep Building Up the Congregation ***
They may even have sinned against us personally. Yet, when the elders appointed to examine the case determine, in line with Jehovah’s direction, that a repentant sinner ought to be readmitted to the congregation, it indicates that he has been forgiven by Jehovah. (Matt. 18:17-20)
So can the elders tell when someone is lying? Without being able to read hearts and minds?
*** w05 11/15 pp. 23-24 par. 9 Walk With God, and Reap What Is Good ***
How is such repentance manifested? Jehovah is not deceived by tears or mere words. Genuine repentance is made apparent by actions. In order to receive mercy, a wrongdoer must completely abandon his sinful course and bring his life into harmony with the high standards of Jehovah’s elevated worship.
-------I remember jws that were reinstated and told their victims that they had lied to the elders . and done nothing, did not have to apologize, and continued on with their hurtful behavior confident that the elders were ignorant.
*** w06 9/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
The decision of the elders investigating the case should be based on the Scriptures and the clearly established facts—an admission by the driver and/or the testimony of two or three reliable eyewitnesses. (Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:15, 16) If bloodguilt is established, a judicial committee should be formed. If the committee determines that the bloodguilty person is repentant, he will receive appropriate reproof from the Scriptures and will be restricted as regards privileges in the congregation
*** w91 4/15 p. 21 par. 6 Imitate God’s Mercy Today ** *
In time he may seek reinstatement in the clean congregation. When elders then meet with him, they will try to determine whether he has repented and left his sinful course
Do elders take confessions?
*** w08 4/15 pp. 10-11 par. 15 Seek God’s Guidance in All Things ***
He needs to humble himself and confess the sin to the elders.
15. What realization regarding offenders
should affect our attitude toward them?
15 If you feel that you have been the
victim of an injustice and find it difficult
to forgive a wrongdoer who has repented,
it would be good to realize that the
offender too is a victim. He or she also
suffers the effects of inherited imperfection.
(Rom. 3:23) Jehovah feels compassion
toward all imperfect mankind.
Therefore, it is appropriate to pray for
the offender. It is unlikely that we would
continue being angry with someone
for whom we are praying. And that we
should avoid harboring resentment toward
even those who mistreat us is clear
from Jesus’ words: “Continue to love
your enemies and to pray for those persecuting
you.”—Matt. 5:44.
COMMENTS
FEEL that you have been the victim = so do you need 2 eyewitnesses?
Have they asked your forgiveness and been specific about what they did and they plan on not doing it again and make amends, perhaps even doing in front of others they lied to about the situation?
Is the WTS forgetting it is more important that the unjust person be praying to God?
*** w10 6/15 p. 29 Coping With a Spouse’s Betrayal ***
Soon after Jane got married, her husband betrayed her trust and affection in a different manner. He began to abuse her physically. “The first time he punched me,” says Jane, “I was stunned, embarrassed, and humiliated. In what became a pattern, he begged me to forgive him. I thought it was my Christian obligation always to forgive and forget. I also thought it would be disloyal to mention our problem to anyone—even to the elders in our congregation. This pattern of abuse and forgiveness went on for years. All the while, I thought that there had to be something I could do to make my husband love me. When he finally left me and our daughter, I felt that I had failed, that I should have done or said more to hold the marriage together.”
*** w81 7/1 p. 22 par. 20 The God of Love Hates a Divorcing ***
However, it does appear that at times a divorce on the ground of adultery could have been avoided had the “innocent” mate shown more empathy, wisdom, affection, understanding. A wife may gradually give less and less thought to pleasing her husband physically, mentally, emotionally, aesthetically and spiritually, thus causing him to look elsewhere for satisfaction in one or more of these areas. Thus reluctance on the part of his wife to give him the marital due caused one full-time minister to turn to her sister for gratification. Of course, regardless of how a wife may have failed in this respect, there is absolutely no justification for adultery on the part of the husband.
16, 17. How should you respond when Christian
elders judge a sinner as repentant, and
why?
16 In accord with Jehovah’s will, Christian
elders have been entrusted with
the responsibility of handling cases of
wrongdoing in the congregation. These
brothers do not have the full insight that
God does, but they aim to make their decision
harmonize with the direction given
in God’s Word under the guidance
of holy spirit. Hence, what they decide
in such matters after seeking Jehovah’s
help in prayer will reflect his point of
view.—Matt. 18:18.
COMMENTS
These brothers do not have the full insight that God does = yet they say that they could have pronounced a death sentence on adulterers
So how does the holy spirit convey God’s knowledge of that individual’s mind and heart, are they inspired like the prophets of old like Nathan and Jeremiah?
17 Here is where loyalty matters. Will
you forgive and confirm your love for
those judged to be repentant? (2 Cor. 2:
5-8) This may not be easy, especially if
you are a victim of the wrongdoing or are
related to a victim. However, by placing
your trust in Jehovah and his way of dealing
with matters through the congregation,
you will act wisely. You will demonstrate
that you really do forgive freely.
—Prov. 3:5, 6.
COMMENTS
So jws are supposed to love and forgive based on the elders opinion, imperfect opinion. Does that include pedophiles? God and forgive them but that does mean I have to go to the same congregation or expose my children to their form of “love.” The elders know who the pedos are in their congregation and can protect their children, the rest are kept ignorant unless the gossip mill is active and concealed.
18. What benefits can you experience because
of forgiving freely?
18 Mental-health experts recognize
the benefits of being willing to forgive.
It releases pent-up and even debilitating
emotions that cause ill health, and it fosters
healthier and happier relationships. Contrast
that with the costs of an unwillingness
to forgive—poor health, broken
relationships, stress, and difficult communication.
By far the most important blessing of being willing to forgive is a
good relationship with our heavenly Father,
Jehovah.—Read Colossians 3:12-14.
COMMENTS
Must jws forgive everything or everyone?
Which mental health experts? Does the WTS feel that jws should go to the imperfect elders with no mental health training or mental health experts?
I say you can move on but you do not need to forgive murderers, adulterers, abusers, pedophiles, intentional liars, and since you are the victim you know more than any elder about that person’s character.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Next week, FIND REAL SUCCESS IN LIFE.
WHAT does it mean to be successful in
life? Ask people that question, and you
will find that their answers vary greatly.
Many, for example, define success in terms of
outstanding achievement in financial, professional,
or academic pursuits. Others factor in relationships
—how well they relate to family, friends, or workmates.
One who serves God might even link success
to a position of responsibility in the congregation or
to achievements in the ministry.
Love, Blondie