[From ws10/16 p. 8 November 28-December 4]
“Do not forget kindness to strangers.” – Hebrews 13:2, ftn. NWT
This study opens with a firsthand account of a man who was not a Witness at the time he arrived in Europe from Ghana.
“He recalls: “I soon realized that most people did not care about me. The climate was also quite a shock. When I left the airport and felt the cold for the first time in my life, I started crying.” Because he struggled with the language, Osei could not find a decent job for over a year. Being far away from his family, he felt alone and homesick.” – par. 1
What will our JW brethren take from this opening account? Surely they will empathize with the plight of this poor fellow. Surely they will feel that Witnesses are different from the world in showing kindness to strangers. One could not be blamed for assuming that this is the whole point of the article. Otherwise, why open with such an account? Otherwise, why have a theme text like Hebrews 13:2 which reads:
“Do not forget hospitality [ftn: “kindness to strangers”], for through it some unknowingly entertained angels.” (Heb 13:2)
Using the example of the patriarchs who received visits from angels appearing as humans, the writer of Hebrews is showing how Christians should be kind to total strangers, since those faithful men of old did not know, at least at first, that these strangers whom they invited into the tents to feed and provide for were in fact angels from God.
They were blessed for their selfless, unprejudiced kindness.
Given the opening paragraph, we might justifiably assume that the man’s case history will be used to show how Jehovah’s Witnesses should act in similar circumstances.
This is interesting because traditionally Jehovah’s Witnesses have been discouraged from engaging in any volunteer efforts or charitable outreach programs to help those in need unless organized directly by the Governing Body or local branch office; and these have been few and far between, limited mostly to recovery efforts following natural disasters. Additionally, Jehovah’s Witnesses are regularly admonished to avoid all association of a social nature with “worldly people”. Only if a person expresses interest in becoming a witness is any meaningful social assistance possible, and even then it is very limited until the individual is fully "in" the organization. So perhaps this article is introducing a change in policy. Perhaps the Governing Body is now mindful of the only requirement laid upon Paul by the Apostles and older men of Jerusalem as he departed on his preaching work to the gentiles.
“. . .yes, when they came to know the undeserved kindness that was given me, James and Ceʹphas and John, the ones who seemed to be pillars, gave me and Barʹna·bas the right hand of sharing together, that we should go to the nations, but they to those who are circumcised. 10 Only we should keep the poor in mind. This very thing I have also earnestly endeavored to do.” (Ga 2:9, 10)
What a wonderful and welcome change of pace this would be! Keeping the poor in mind!
Indeed, the opening sentence of the next paragraph stirs our hope that such is now to be the case in the Organization:
Think about how you would like others to act toward you if you were in a similar situation. – par. 2
But alas, our hopes are dashed at reading the very next sentence:
Would you not appreciate a warm welcome at the Kingdom Hall, regardless of your nationality or skin color? – par. 2
Yet another bait and switch. The man in the first paragraph's example was not a JW at the time nor is he shown entering a kingdom hall or even being aware of the existence of Jehovah's Witnesses, yet the application being made is to show kindness to such a man when he shows up at the kingdom hall!
Is the kindness to strangers that Hebrews 13:2 speaks of conditional? Is it only reciprocal? Do the strangers have to do something, make some tacit commitment, feign interest even, just to get a little kindness from us? Is that what it depends on?
Are such acts of kindness to be restricted only to those who first show an interest in becoming Jehovah’s Witnesses?
The follow excerpts seem to support that conclusion.
“…how can we help those from a foreign background to feel at home in our congregation?” – par. 2
“Today, we can be sure that Jehovah is equally concerned about people from a foreign background who attend meetings in our congregations.” – par. 5
“We can show kindness to newcomers from a foreign background by warmly greeting them at the Kingdom Hall.” – par. 9
“Since Jehovah has “opened to the nations the door to faith,” could we not open our own door to strangers who are “related to us in the faith”?” – par. 16
These excerpts are confirmed by a reading of the entire article. There are no examples given nor any exhortation made for us to go out of our way to help a stranger or foreigner in need unless he has first shown some interest in becoming one of us. This is conditional kindness, love at a price. Can we find an example of this in the ministry of Jesus or the apostles? I think not.
There is nothing wrong with eradicating racial prejudice, but that’s only a small fraction of the Scriptural appeal made at Hebrews 13:2. What about showing kindness and hospitality to strangers in need no matter what their race is, even if they are of the same race as we are? What about being kind to a stranger who is not a Jehovah’s Witness and not even interested in becoming one? Is our love to be conditional? Is preaching to them the only way we can express our love for our enemies?
In short, the only thing wrong with the instruction of this week’s Watchtower is that is doesn’t go far enough. That would be okay if there were a follow-up article that expanded on the full application of Hebrews 13:2, but there is none to be found. The application stops here. Sadly, another opportunity missed.
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Comment by GodsWordIsTruth on 2016-11-28 17:29:46
Powerful and Healing article!
Thank you so much.
It's the Truth...
But can you really trust Christendom with money? Even if they are honest with what God has blessed you with it is technically theirs if you are a member.
Tithing Bibilcally included many types of things including food along with money.
Also, Where are the JW accounts reports ... from HQ?
We are better off supporting and slaving for the Body of Christ and each other 1st Century Style . Maybe carry a box while we preach for the poor.
Tithing is a "fringe " in the church smh . I will tithe 10% of my All including money as my Master sees fit.
Love,
ShannonReply by Candace on 2016-12-07 11:52:08
Thanks to Jehovah there is no tithing in the JW organisation! If I have to give 10% of my money I don't know how I can possibly pioneer because I would need to work more hours just to make ends meet. We give from our heart what we can afford in the contribution box. I am amazed that every convention when they announce the expenses, not once has it ever been in deficit by the end of the program. We are as generous as we can possibly be with out time, energy, and yes, resources (money) and experience the joy that comes from giving which is way more than when receiving.
Reply by GodsWordIsTruth on 2016-12-07 12:00:19
Welcome Candace!
I've really, really enjoyed your comments, expressions and experiences that you've shared on this site it has been very healing for me in a very trying time.
You remind me a lot of myself in a lot of ways. I know what it's like to juggle the stresses of working, pioneering and college. I'm Thankful to Jehovah that you made it further than I did in college. I left to pursue Missionary work.
Biblical titihing I believe is what you are describing but I'm not sure that's The JW practice now. I've been a way for awhile though...
Agape,
GWITReply by Candace on 2016-12-07 21:47:58
wow, thanks for your kind response GWIT! and I pray for you, that you will endure and rise above the trials you are experiencing. I can't believe you had the courage to leave college for missionary work! That is my dream one day, to travel abroad and be missionary where the need is still very great. My best friend went to South America early this year for missionary work. I have never seen or heard her sound so happy in my life. Excitedly she tells me of people queuing up for bible studies and how whole families sit together captivated as she shows them videos and conduct bible studies with them. Their thirst for bible truth is real.
Yes the JW way has always been through contribution boxes scattered through the venue. Now you can also go to the attendants desk and EFTPOS or credit card your contribution amount. No one judges if you put in 1 cent or 100 dollars, the main thing is to give from our heart ungrudging out of your desire to express gratitude for the spiritual food received, the self sacrificing spirit by the brothers in preparing the program for us, and to Jehovah and Jesus for making all this possible in the first place.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-08 07:34:00
Candace, if indeed "Jehovah and Jesus [are] making all this possible" would you not expect truth to be taught from the platform and in the publications? After all, other religions have great conventions to which tens of thousands flock and in which hundreds are baptized. Yet a Witness would never admit that such conventions are made possible by Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Would not his criteria for dismissing such religious gatherings as the work of God be that they teach falsehoods?
Comment by apollos0fAlexandria on 2016-11-28 18:36:07
Thanks Meleti.
It seems like the message of this article is basically "don't be racist to someone who steps into your church". Seriously do Christians need to be told this? Well, obviously there are many who live under the banner of Christianity who do need to be corrected in this manner. I'm not disputing that. Apparently some KKK fly under a "Christian banner".
Yet this is directed to JWs.
You've hit the nail on the head in your review. If you're going to write a Bible based article on "Kindness to Strangers" then why not write about how Christians can, and should, really be kind to strangers rather than make it "don't be racist when people of color come into your place of worship". (See the pictures which they use as a primary teaching device for the main point of the article).
I feel that I became naturally kinder to strangers after starting to sever myself from the mindset imposed by JW theology. JWs call at the door of a someone's beautiful house and then, when they're given a rejection to their awkwardly delivered message, have been known to lust after the house on the assumption that the person will permanently vacate it at Armageddon.
Maybe an article correcting that mindset would be appropriate so that the rank and file can catch up with the average non-sociopathic human.
ApollosReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-11-28 23:04:27
I've been in car groups where that very topic was discussed. I look back on my younger self now and wonder why I didn't react to it back then. The power of careful, repetitive indoctrination, I guess.
I've just come from a dinner with a "worldly" couple. He's an atheist and she's a practicing Catholic. They are faithful to each other, highly moral, and have been kinder to me and my wife than any of my witness friends have ever been. Yet, I realize that just a handful of years ago, I would have felt guilty at having spent a pleasant evening eating out with them. How we have twisted the admonishment of the Lord to be no part of the world to such an extreme that it distorts healthy social interaction.Reply by Menrov on 2016-11-29 02:40:02
I know the feeling. Since I am doing voluntary work, I have met so many people who devote their free time and money to support others. Others that are pure strangers but are in need because they are ill, weak, hungry, poor or lonely. I do believe that among JW's there are those who would like to do more but the pressure to comply stops them to act on their feelings. Also, I expect various of the volunteers are somehow Christians (belonging to a type of denomination). But never ever have they bragged about their religion. They actually do this work as a response to their desire to help others. Many have been doing this for over 10 years. These volunteers do not need advice to avoid racism or show hospitality. You really wonder why JW's need this type of "education".
Reply by Colette on 2016-11-29 21:03:32
Yes, sadly false christians do need to be told this. It helps to keep up appearances.
A couple of years ago, we noticed an immigrant from another race sitting alone in the KH. Turns out he was a study of a MS who was very active in the field, so much so that he had asked me to help him get more studies. Anyhow this MS was not very happy that his study had come to the hall as he had a body odour, being poor and not able to wash adequately. The MS had tried to dissuade him from coming and then when the study did come, the MS did the next best thing by ignoring him and apologizing for his presence to anyone who would listen.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-11-30 06:25:35
What an astonishing attitude. It appears that they've lost the ability to see themselves in the Spiritual mirror that is the Bible.
Comment by Thaddeus on 2016-11-28 21:41:55
I'm new to this site, but have been reading and following for quite some time. Many great points have been made.I'm an active JW currently serving as a Regular Pioneer. The review of this paticular article has been my experience within our Organization. For example, when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans I went with a group of brothers for relief work in Mississippi. We helped many of our brothers & sisters who's lives were devastated. Some of the friends took advantage of us in certain ways. But I was ashamed by the fact that 3-4 of regular folks in the local community saw what we were doing and asked if we would help them as well. To my dismay (I was newly baptized at the time) the crew captain only "allowed" us to help for a set fee begining with an estimate for the job.it was discouraging to say the least.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-11-28 23:07:43
So the organization gets well-meaning brothers to volunteer their time. Then other well-meaning brothers volunteer materials. Then these are donated for the rebuilding. When insurance is paid to the homeowner--or when FEMA kicks in compensation--the money is supposed to go to the organization. So the financial compensation and great public relations press coverage.
Reply by Colette on 2016-11-29 20:44:21
One scripture comes to mind: “Take good care not to practice YOUR righteousness in front of men in order to be observed by them; otherwise YOU will have no reward with YOUR Father who is in the heavens. 2 Hence when you go making gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, just as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to YOU, They are having their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 that your gifts of mercy may be in secret; then your Father who is looking on in secret will repay you." Matthew 6:1-4
I have learned that anything the WT does has an angle designed to benefit the org/gb.
Comment by lazarus on 2016-11-29 06:30:25
Well explained Meleti. And highlighting were the article is lacking in hospitality to strangers. It's limiting it to ones within the JW.org.
It's commendable to look beyond ones appearance, race etc to show hospitality even within the JW. Org But True transformation to show kindness should go beyond just believers. Not to do so is encouraging a superficial type of kindness , and hospitality to strangers.
Matt 5:46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfectReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-11-29 07:44:25
Well put, Lazarus.
Comment by tyhik on 2016-11-29 16:55:12
I am sorry to sound overly negative, but .. this WT article is not about love. I sense a message like: there are immigrants on the move in Europe and elsewhere. They have no job, they are lost, they are homesick, they are vulnerable. They might be an easy prey for us. Dear JWs, here's our chance, let's not miss it.
Comment by Colette on 2016-11-29 20:37:25
I used to regular pioneer and had a number of studies with immigrants from other countries. I couldn't find a brother that was willing or available to do the male studies, so shouldered the responsibility myself to help these men.
I have come to the conclusion that the org is placing an extreme burden on sincere brothers and sisters who want to help immigrants. They are poor and very needy and the congregation does not have any sort of support structure or willingness to assist these ones or the study conductor in a practical way. And yes, it has turned out that many if not all feigned interest in the bible just to have a local friend whom they perceive as wealthy. As the study conductor it is very difficult to not get involved by assisting in a material way as how can you teach someone about love and then not love them?
In our area I have heard of two sisters being raped in the field. There were seldom brothers out with the sisters. Nothing is done to protect the sisters who are becoming very vulnerable given the nature of field service and bible studies.
Ah, but then they can use the excuse that the women preaching the good news are a large army. But where is the love?Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-11-30 06:27:53
This is astonishing!
Comment by Truth-Seeker on 2016-11-30 01:34:27
Even baptized JW immigrants have it tough. A brother from Ghana left Germany in disgust because he did not at all feel welcome in the congregation; no sympathy and no moral or material support whatsoever. It was revolting to behold. No love for strangers was evidenced by the congregation and one article will not change anything at all in the congregations. Sad to say, most in the congregations are very self-centered and only bent on their own salvation, not to mention the Organization that only gives lip-service to love.
Comment by Candace on 2016-12-01 04:26:04
Hi bible study friends! I just thought I'd chime in and say, if you meditate on the article we have to remember that we have to show love to our brothers and sisters in the congregation and those interested in the truth first. After that if we can then help others not in the faith. See Galations 6:10. I think its important to take that into context?
For example I am studying at the moment and trying to regular auxillary at the same time. This makes it very hard for me to find time to do much else for charity let alone prepare for meetings and so forth but I do donate my unwanted clothes to my local Good Samaritan store. Thats my version of doing what I can to help. But I'll always ask my local sisters if they want it first. :')Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-01 07:17:41
Welcome, Candace. It's fine to look to the needs of those closest to us first. When money was donated to the disciples with Jesus, they used it to feed themselves and the Lord and tend to their immediate needs, and what was left was given to the poor. One of the issues on the table however is the "busy work" that keeps JWs so occupied that they don't have time for charitable work even within the congregation. The irony is that we boast of our ability to organize, but when it comes to helping the poor, we are discouraged from organizing anything. I remember as an elder trying to organize some assistance for needy ones and the circuit overseer told me that society doesn't want the congregations doing that. If the brothers want to give on their own, that's their business, but the congregation shouldn't get involved. This is, of course, at odds with the first century model. (1Ti 5:9, 10)
Reply by Candace on 2016-12-02 08:23:53
TY for the welcome Meleti, oh I agree with you that organisation isn't perfect, but which one is?
In our congregation I regularly work with an older sister in her 90's (!)& after the ministry I love to help her with some cleaning, shopping etc. She told me of another elderly sister who asked a tradesman brother for help fixing the taps in the house but he said 'but you have family, you should ask them first'! The problem is her family lives 300km away.. I felt really troubled by this and talked to my dad who is a MS. Anyway not long later an announcement was made to tell us they have assigned an elder to oversee the care of the elderly and needy so that everyone gets their fair share of help and also opportunity for interchange of encouragement. This is is a lovely example of the congregation trying their best to follow christs footsteps and the model of 1st century christians. I think times are changing and the society is responding to it changing needs as fast they can.
I don't mean to be negative but I do feel sometimes arrangements are micro managed and over the top. Like in our upcoming circuit assembly we have meetings to rehearse parts. I have a 30 second part in the watchtower review to answer one of the questions but the meetings (2nd so far) goes on for 3+ hours. 7:oopm to 10:00pm at the very least. I just bring notes to study for my exams while waiting for my turn lol.
Comment by huang on 2016-12-02 10:30:16
Hi, anyone noticed the cellphone in opening picture? Don't think there were any 30 years ago
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-02 14:03:18
Hmm, if there intent was to recreate Osei's situation, then we have a theocratic anachronism. :)
Comment by Smoldering Wick on 2016-12-02 17:59:46
Hi and it just occurred to me.......On being kind to strangers, what could be stranger than what a Samaritan did for the injured Jew of Luke 10:29-37?
May the love of Christ impel us all!
Affectionately
SW1
Comment by Amitafal on 2016-12-03 07:39:29
I really liked your review Meleti.
Gal 6:10 says to work good toward ALL but especially related to us in the faith. To me that means helping non witnesses as well as witnesses. If I saw an elederly person struggling to cross the road or carry something I would offer to help without expecting them to show an interest in the Bible or Jehovahs Witnesses. Now that I no longer Reg Pioneer I have more time for family in and out of truth and to help brothers and sisters and other humans. So whilst our young ones are busy in the ministry I really believe they should stop and think of how they can show they are a true Christian in word and deed to ALL.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-03 09:35:36
Welcome Amitafal, and thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Reply by mailman on 2016-12-04 00:48:55
Oh yes, Amitafal. If we are to examine Christian works, there are other noble things worth doing aside from preaching work to brothers - inside the organization or even those outside of it. These verses will serve us guidance:
Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:23-24 - 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
Comment by Amitafal on 2016-12-03 08:18:26
I forgot to mention that most bible translations on the Bible Hub use the word 'accept' at Romans 15:7, where the NWT uses welcome (although footnote makes reference). Years ago we were discouraged to use the internet, but I am glad we have these tools available .
Comment by huang on 2016-12-03 11:25:30
Hi Meleti
Appreciate your insight and humor. I was wondering why a Ghanaian was used as an example and 30 years ago at that and I thought the reason could be that Ghana is not one of the countries on the list of a million migrants and refugees crossing into Europe -JW not getting embroiled in issue of politics and religion of migrant-refugees from Muslim-majority countries.
Then 30 years ago is a good throwback as it is way before current European migrant-refugee crisis.
Typical JW policy of see and hear no evil - just focus on indoctrinating new members.
Comment by Yehorakam on 2016-12-04 10:34:53
Just in response to Candace's observations. It is biblical to help our spiritual brothers first, but it is also biblical to set aside time for helping those not related to us in the faith. God makes it rain on the righteous and unrighteous, so he would be delighted if we show true kindness in balanced form.
The problem, highlighted by Candace's comment is that the ministry (making converts) has taken priority over all other activities, and so little time is left to actually do what should be the priority, show love.
I will give a personal example. When I was in Cuba, I observed a blind widow with Parkinsons who could barely walk almost get hit by a truck, crossing the highway to get to the KH. I was the only one that had a vehicle in the congregation, but being disfellowshipped, I had to ask permission from the elders to give her a ride to the meetings...otherwise it might have put in jeopardy my reinstatement having contact with the brothers.
Shortly thereafter, she moved 5 kms away so that her relatives could take care of her. I wasn't aware of her new address and it took me 6 weeks to track her down. To make a long story short, when I did find her, she cried when I visited her and she explained that in a month and a half, 2 elders and one sister had visited her once. 3 people in 6 weeks in a country where transportation is subsidized by the gov't! Yet, when I was at the meetings, there was a part where the Secretary commended the congregation for the high average of 18 hours in FS for the month. So imagine this: in one month, you have 60 publishers spending 18 hours in FS, 10 pioneers spending 70 hours in FS (1782 hrs total), and yet only 3 people only had 1 hour each (3 hours total) to visit their spiritual sister suffering from blindness, Parkinsons and the recent death of her husband. They had all the time in the world to knock on doors, approaching strangers, the majority of which have no interest in God. And yet there was no time for their sister who serves Jehovah faithfully.
I have felt that if the Governing Body made a new arrangement that you could count your hours when helping your fellow brothers and sisters, then you would finally have brothers and sisters "en masse" spending more time helping those in need. Imagine being able to count your time as a pioneer: 1) doing a bible reading with your brothers and sisters that are visually impaired 2) going shopping for those that are handicapped 3) painting a room for an older couple...the list could go on. And yet, DO YOU NEED TO BE TOLD THAT YOU CAN COUNT YOUR TIME SO THAT YOU SPEND MORE TIME DOING THOSE THINGS?
Sadly, the Governing Body has created a monster by rewarding people that count more time. By doing that, they have also silently indicated what time counts the most: FS time. They have also created class distinctions and rewarded those that can meet a quota of hours. They regularly schedule parts to commend the brothers for their numbers in the field ministry, so in seeking the words "a job well done" the brothers try do as much as they can in the FIELD MINISTRY.
In the end, when I saw the condition of that poor sister, and that the elders and publishers were doing nothing, I made an effort to read the Bible to her once a week. I was willing to not be reinstated in order to do the right thing. This was not a rebellion of any kind, but rather a moment when because of love and a good conscience I had to "step up to the plate." I even received pressure from my wife to stop because she knew that it would make the elders upset and they would add another year or two wait for my reinstatement just to put me in my place thinking I wasn't accepting the conditions of my disfellowshipping. But, before Jehovah I could not put my own desire for reinstatement ahead of my sisters need that wasn't being filled by anyone. I could help, and so I did. A few months later when the elders finally found out that it was a disfellowshipped brother was the only one visiting her regularly to read the Bible to her, it made them look bad and they finally arranged a weekly visit to the sister. At that point, I was happy that something was being done. Since then, I have realized that my reinstatement as a Witness isn't important as it is only a process plagued my many rules of men. Jehovah forgave me and reinstated me to his favour long ago and my joy has been made full. No need to look for the approval of men anymore...
So, why don't Witnesses have enough time for their brothers, and even less time for those not related in the faith? Simply put, because Field Service time is what counts and gets rewarded my men. If you finally stop seeking rewards from men and seek a reward from our Father and his son, then you will have more time to work what is good towards all and those related in the faith. Remember, 'he that is showing kindness to the lowly one is lending to Jehovah and will be repaid.' Look the payment of that reward!
Much love,Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-04 11:05:36
Hi Yehorakam. Thanks for sharing this. I might add that my observations after 40 years as an elder confirm that your experience, while unique in itself, is indicative of an organization-wide pattern of not-so-benign neglect of those in need in favor of statistical goals. Truly a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power. (2Ti 3:5)
Reply by GodsWordIsTruth on 2017-01-29 06:40:12
Hi Meleti!
With the recent news here in the US-a law that literally bans pretty much a whole religion from the States...how do you feel the GB would have us act now?
How do we remain separate from the world's affairs when nationalism is on the rise? Flags are back in the schools like never before. My kids are being pressured suddenly to conform. I recently left a church who has a huge draping flag alongside the cross. The sermons are becoming increasingly nationalistic.
This article neglects to say that we (Christians) could be next. Did you or anyone else find any of the JW articles or books comforting during similar times?
Love,
GWIT
Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2016-12-04 11:36:40
My word, Yehorakam, that was one of the most wonderful comments I've ever read on this site (and I've read a lot of great comments on the site). Beautiful story, elegantly described. What a true example of Christian love you exhibited towards that woman. Your story literally brought me to tears.
I have tried in my own way to show this kind of love towards some of the older ones in the congregation, asking them if there is any maintenance they need done at their homes, etc. and have on occasion had my offer taken up. It made me feel good to know that I was helping those who could not help themselves. Yet, it brings me heartache to know that I'm still in a group of man-dominated Christians that don't see this as one of the central directives from the Christ.
Meleti, I couldn't help but notice that once again, there is zero mention of Jesus in this Watchtower article. Not. Even. One. Surely we could have used God's own son as an example of how to be kind to strangers, say from Luke 5:12-13.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-04 14:37:31
Good point, Deo_ac_veritati. They don't deny Jesus came in the flesh overtly, but by scant mention, they diminish his role which is an implicit denial.
Reply by Candace on 2016-12-07 11:46:31
Oh dear, that is such a sad story I don't know what to say except that I am so glad the sister eventually got the care and loving attention that she deserves! We are a loving organisation, right? And the GB keeps reminding us that they love us very much too. So why aren't they initiating more help to the elderly and infirm?
I've learnt that older ones aren't all that different to youths in that they still think in a young way, just that their bodies won't cooperate. So looking down on them or think they are too foggy to understand anything is a very silly attitude to have.
I make weekly visits to older sisters in aged care facilities and read them the latest articles from the watchtower, awake or show them videos or whatever they fancy. I have been told I am allowed to count my time while I am there. Honestly I could spend whole days there if I could because they are always so happy to see me.
Comment by Deo_ac_veritati on 2016-12-04 11:45:54
Hey Meleti, thought you might want to know that the hyperlink on the theme scripture at the top of the article you provided is pointing to Acts 13:2 instead of Hebrews 13:2. Not a big deal, just thought you may want the opportunity to correct it for posterity. Thanks for another wonderful article. Christian love to you!
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-04 14:40:31
Thanks, Deo_ac_veritati. It's a WordPress Plugin that does the Bible text lookup automatically, but for some reason it misread "He" so I wrote out the full name and it seems okay now.
Comment by Yehorakam on 2016-12-04 13:59:34
Hi Deo_ac. Thanks. Words cannot describe the battle I had, for but a moment. Being forcibly separated from my family has caused me great pain. My father was my best friend before I was disfellowshipped. At the time I was in Cuba, there was nothing more that I wanted than to be reinstated so that I might experience the natural love between a son and a father again. But I knew that my action to read the bible with the sister could be misconstrued and it would result in my disfellowshipping lasting longer. I say that because my actions had been misconstrued before that. Previous to that, when I was in Canada, although disfellowshipped, I spent my time thinking and praying for those I could observe were depressed within the congregation. My thoughts were most often not about my own situation, but a concern for others that might have had it worse. I observed a mother with 2 grown daughters in the congregation. Everything pointed to the father/husband as being abusive. The mother would often arrive late, or leave in the middle of the meeting to attend to her husbands demands and then come back to catch the last part of the meeting. I often thought how could I share something encourgaging with them, but alas, part of their "discipline from Jehovah" was that I was prevented from helping my brothers. So, I decided to burn a CD with a few talks about Christ's love, spoken by a brother on the writing committee in Brooklyn. I found them to be very comforting to myself as he didn't follow an outline, but rather expounded the scriptures as they described Jesus and the way he treated people. I left the KH early one day and left the CD anonymously on her windscreen. As it turns out, somehow someone saw me leaving the CD. About a month later, when they were considering my request for reinstatement, the elders commended me for all that I was doing, they even said "We can see you are repentant....but you need more time." I asked what that meant, and they explained that I wasn't respecting the terms of my disfellowshipping because I was having contact with the brothers. I said "What contact?" and they explained about the CD. They got all righteous about it and said that I shouldn't have contact with the brothers. They considered an anonymous gift of a few comforting talks on Christ to be "contact." I never said or wrote anything to the sister, but that was considered "contact." They got even more righteous by saying that these talks were not talks authorized by the governing body and could have been spoken by anyone. I asked them if they knew the brother was on the writing committee for the GB or if they actually listened to the talks? Then one elder piped up and said that actually the talks were quite wonderful. So I asked: then what's the problem? The lost their ammo with the "spurious talks" idea and went with the idea that it was the elders job to provide encouragement to those needing it and that I should concentrate on my own spirituality. I explained that I was doing that, and now that I was doing fine, I could not help but think of others. They said that I would have to wait longer because of this "incident" and that if I really wanted to be reinstated, then I would have to have "NO contact" under any circumstances. So, I was being punished for showing love. It was with that disappointment in Canada that I was faced with the situation in Cuba. I had the option to pursue what I wanted (my reinstatement), or tend to the needs of the sister (as best I could) and be punished again. I thought, how could I pursue my own interests at the expense of someone else? So, I decided to do what was right and forgot about reinstatement. Being that I am disfellowshipped, I have the freedom to visit and encourage other disfellowshipped ones and have had very good results. If I was reinstated, I wouldn't have the freedom to help these ones who have been completely abandoned. In fact, in one congregation, the elders felt bad because I was visiting disfellowshipped ones on a regular basis, so they decided to step up their visits. In fact, one elder when he heard that I even prayed with a disfellowshipped brother, he paid a visit and prayed with him too. I said "What!!!?" Yep, the elder actually went against the governing body's direction to elders NOT to pray with a disfellowshipped person...and actually did what the bible says in James 5:14,15. I felt happy that what I did resulted in the elder doing what he should biblically.
Much love,Reply by Colette on 2016-12-04 20:40:53
Dear Yehorakam. Wow! What a fine example you are of someone that follows the Christ.
Your experience reinforces my belief that if one is truly trying to worship God and follow Jesus' example, it will naturally lead to conflict with man made organizations. And each of us has a choice as to whether we will apply bible principles or follow and please man.
In my own experience, in brief, I was assaulted by an elder in the kingdom hall for reprimanding his child for telling a much smaller boy to punch people. We left that congregation in the interest of peace and I personally resolved to be obedient to everything the organization and bible said. So I applied all the suggestions for field service, wanting to help as many people as possible to survive Armageddon, started placing a LOT more magazines, only to be persecuted by the elders and circuit overseer for placing too much.
These words certainly proved true: (Matthew 16:24, 25) . . .Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his soul will lose it; but whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it."
It takes great faith in God to go against men in authority who have the power to expel. But we save our own souls in the process, albeit unknowingly at the time.
God bless you for the work you have and are still doing in binding up the broken-hearted.