[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.
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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!
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.
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… Read more »
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)
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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.
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… Read more »
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.
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 .
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… Read more »
Welcome Amitafal, and thank you for your thoughtful comment.
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… Read more »
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
Hi, anyone noticed the cellphone in opening picture? Don’t think there were any 30 years ago
Hmm, if there intent was to recreate Osei’s situation, then we have a theocratic anachronism. 🙂
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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.… Read more »
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.
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… Read more »
This is astonishing!
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.
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… Read more »
Well put, Lazarus.
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… Read more »
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.
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… Read more »
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,… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
What an astonishing attitude. It appears that they’ve lost the ability to see themselves in the Spiritual mirror that is the Bible.
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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…… Read more »
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… Read more »
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?