For Jehovah's Witnesses ONLY?

Question

Ok I know this is not the proper channel to ask this, but I am in a quandary. I have recently been made aware of serious wrong doing on the part of a close family member. The person is now married to his "partner in crime". This person lives about 2000 miles away and that is where the wrong doing took place. I am certain that my family out there knows nothing of what happened. What do I do? I don't want to inform my local elders here, or anyone in my congregation for that matter, as this person is well respected and well loved. I also do not want to create a rift in my family, or be accused of "murmering". I really don't know what to do. The wrong doing is serious and took place several times. What is my responsibility before Jehovah in this matter? Obviously, I was not an eye-witness to the wrong doing, I doubt there were any, or any in his congregation who know. I am really upset about this, what do I do?

The information I came across is very reliable. My family member told my husband, who is not a Witness and he let it slip to me. Due to the distance and the state of my relationship with this person, it would be very difficult to confirm the details. I guess I will just have to leave it in Jehovah's hands. The truth always comes out in the end.

Answer 1

The only three options:
1) leave the matter in God's hands
2) ask the apparent sinner directly
3) discuss the matter with congregation elders

Every Christian must recognize that his loyalty to God outweighs any human loyalty. Each Christian must personally and prayerfully consider how to handle any incident in which he learns of apparent serious sin by a fellow baptized Christian. Naturally, a Christian with such apparent information about a sinner must work to balance the credibility of the information and the dignity of the apparent sinner. The Scriptures and the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses give good advice in this regard.

(Matthew 18:15,17) If your brother commits a sin, go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother... If he does not listen to [witnesses], speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations

The Watchtower, 9/1/1987, page 13
[quote]
To establish a matter conclusively, the testimony of at least two eyewitnesses is needed. (Deuteronomy 19:15) If [a Christian] had seen only a brief mention of [serious sin by a baptized Christian], she might have decided conscientiously that the evidence of any guilt was so inconclusive that she should not proceed further.
[unquote]


Serious sin cannot be tolerated by the Christian congregation. However, experienced Christians recognize that many rumors have been initiated based on misunderstood hearsay. Sadly, at times non-Christian acquaintances assume too much regarding the sexual familiarity of dating or engaged Christian couples. These non-Christians typically do not understand that communicating their assumptions can cause real shame and heartache to the Christian whose good reputation has been sullied.

(Proverbs 12:18) There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.

(James 3:5-8) The tongue is a little member and yet makes great brags. Look! How little a fire it takes to set so great a woodland on fire! Well, the tongue is a fire. ...But the tongue, not one of mankind can get it tamed.

Answer 2

The nature of the offense is not stated. The seriousness of the offense may have significant influence on how to proceed.
In general, since you have no DIRECT knowledge ("not an eye-witness") it would not be wise to disclose the event to others. That could start a rumor line and create pressure on you to divulge more information which could likewise be inaccurate.
Resist the temptation to discuss the matter with anyone not directly involved.
How did you hear about it?
What is the credibility of your source?
If there is any reason to believe the validity of the charge, I would confront the individuals charged with the offense, inform them of what I knew, and politely attempt verify the truth of the matter. Once verified, the path becomes more clear.
If they are individuals of like faith, it is possible they may approach the elders in their congregation themselves, once prompted to do so.

Answer 3

I would suggest looking up the article "A Time to Speak -When?" in w87 9/1 pp12-15.

And no matter the reputation of the "brother" in your congregation, please remember that to conceal a serious sin is to take part in it. I have had some experience in this myself a few years back, when I wasn't sure if I should speak up. Remember that Jehovah and the elders are loving and not harsh with those that may get involved in wrongdoing, especially where there is repentance.
And above all things, pray to Jehovah before taking any action.

Answer 4

Before you go running to the elders about it how about talking to your family member first. I mean isn't that what your ultimate source the bible, NWT, tells you to do. Talk to the person first. Give them the opportunity to make things right.
Besides which, what about needing 2 eye witnesses to a sin?
The body of elders have no right to interfere unless the sinners confess or you have 2 EYE witnesses to it. hearsay won't hold up.
These are the JEHOVAH'S WITNESS rules. Your rules right? Even as a non JW I am aware of this!

Answer 5

I'm not a JW, but have you tried talking to the wrong doer and letting him know what he did was wrong? How do you know this is true? I think before you bring it to your pastor, you should talk to your family member first. It could be a vicious lie spread by someone who wants to cause trouble. Good luck.

Answer 6

I'm not a JW but I agree with Blondied Confront him first If he did it then give him week or two to see an Elder in his church if he does not do it then it is your responsibility to inform the Elders in YOUR Church.
Peace.....

Answer 7

i'm not a member of any religion however several of my family members are or were JW. my grandmother was very strong into her JW beleifs. she outcast many family members including her own children for things her religion told her were bad enough to excumunicate her own daughters and not be able to recognize her own grandchildren. when in all actuality nothing anyone did even had anything to do with her in any way and really was not her bussiness.

i tell you this so i can say that on her death bed a few years ago she begged to have all her children and grandchildren together in her presence so that she could share with everyone the pain and regret she was feeling about how she decided to let some religion actually cause her to lose time with family and people who loved her for other peoples personal decisions that are nobodies buss ness but there own like sex before marriage or changing faiths. she was about to die and the poor woman was consumed with loss and regret instead looking back on the good parts of life. and i can assure you she as she was about to die she was not concerned with the RULES her religion said she had to follow she was concerened with spending every last waking minute with those she had lost so muchtime with.

your family members live 2000 thousand miles away and im sure what they are doing is none of anyones bussness and certainly not effecting your life.

family and forgivness are two of the most important things in life. hopefully you will discover that before you are dying and regretting your decision to let someone elses life decision become your bussness as my grandmother did.

so basically get over it. it has nothing to do with you. you have no obligation to tell on people for things that are not against the law or hurting someone else. no matter what your "ELDERS" are saying! think for yourself what is important in life and what matters because i can assure you what other people are pushing into your brain are probably not those things!

peace

Answer 8

If you caught him in act then it is your responsibility to Jehovah. If not let Jehovah's spirit will catch him through his conscience. This is to avoid making gossip for unsure things.

Answer 9

Sorry, I'm not JW, but....
Unless the people you are referring to broke a law, I would keep it to yourself. If they feel that they did something wrong (have sex before marriage is what it sounds like....) then let them decide what the next course of action should be.

A good way to end relationships with friends and family is to "tattle tell" on what you perceive to be their wrongdoings.