DAILY TEXT, Monday, September 28, 2026. Get rid of the evil person who is among you (1 Cor. 5:13).

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Monday, September 28, 2026

Get rid of the evil person who is among you (1 Cor. 5:13).

If someone commits a serious sin and repeatedly refuses the help offered by the elders, he is removed from the congregation (2 Kings 17:12-15). His actions demonstrate that he has chosen not to obey Jehovah’s commands (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20). An announcement is made to inform the congregation that this person is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of course, this is not done to humiliate him, but so that the congregation can follow the Bible’s command to cease all association with him and not even eat with him (1 Corinthians 5:9-11). Jehovah gave this instruction for a good reason.

The apostle Paul wrote: “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6). If one who refuses to repent were not removed from the congregation, the other brothers and sisters might conclude that there is no need to strive to live in harmony with Jehovah’s righteous standards (Prov. 13:20; 1 Cor. 15:33). w24.08 26, 27 pars. 3, 4

According to the Bible, what should be done when someone commits a serious sin and does not repent?

If someone commits a serious sin and does not repent, the elders have no choice but to follow the command at 1 Corinthians 5:13: “Get rid of the wicked person among you.” In a sense, he has made that decision himself; he is reaping what he sowed (Gal. 6:7). Why? Because he has refused to accept the help the elders have repeatedly offered him (2 Kings 17:12-15). His actions show that he has chosen not to obey Jehovah’s commands (Deut. 30:19, 20).

How should we view someone who is no longer a Jehovah's Witness, and why?

So, how should we view someone who is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Although we may not socialize with him, we do not see him as a lost cause, but rather as a sheep that has strayed and can return to the flock. Let us not forget that at one time he dedicated his life to Jehovah. Sadly, he is now not living in harmony with that promise, so he is in a very dangerous situation (Ezek. 18:31). Nevertheless, as long as there is time and Jehovah is willing to show mercy, we do not lose hope that the person will return. So, how can elders help someone who has left the congregation?

What steps do elders take to help someone who has been removed from the congregation?

When someone is removed from the congregation, what do the elders do? Do they abandon the person completely and stop trying to help them return to Jehovah? Of course not! When the committee of elders informs the person that they will no longer be able to be part of the congregation, they will explain the steps they must take to return. But that is not all. In most cases, they will say that they would like to meet with the person again a few months later to see if they have changed their attitude. If they say they have, at that next meeting the elders will lovingly invite them to repent and return. What if they have not changed their attitude at that time? Even so, the elders will continue to make regular efforts to meet with them in the future.

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