Jehovah's Witnesses (only please), what should I do?

Question

Hey everyone (JW’s only please),

I made a promise a couple years ago to someone who is now no longer a witness, promising to give him some stuff if I ever wanted to get rid of it.

Should I try to find a way to get these things to him that is still upholding our standards, or should I just go ahead and give them away to whoever wants them? I don’t want to break the promise, but at the same time, I don’t want him to get any more upset with me than he already is in connection to him not wanting to come back into the congregation.
(He hasn't currently shown any intrest in comming back anyway...I've only seen him attend a few of the meetings and both Memorials in the past couple years)

Biblically, what should I do? How would you handle the situation?

I can't call him...he's I can't call him... he's d.f.’d

Didn't mean to be repetitive on that last Detail

I should have been clearer in original Question. He is disfellowshiped.

Answer 1

u cant talk 2 him unless he comes back hold on 2 the stuff it gives a hope that u want him back as a spritral brother i hope he comes back 2 jehovah

Answer 2

You promised him he could have those things. Unless you promised something immoral or illegal (which you didn't), you should do your best to keep your vows. Is there someone you know who is related to him or who is a non-Witness associate of his that could get in touch with him on your behalf? You could relay the necessary information to this person and set up a location for him to pick up the stuff you promised. If you are really iffy on this, listen to the voice from within (October 15th study article) and ask an elder. Elders are always able to speak with disfellowshipped ones though the general congregation is not.

But you really should consider your promises seriously. Remember what Jesus said: let your yes mean yes. And Ecclesiastes 5:5: Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. Whaddya ya think?

Hannah J Paul

Answer 3

He's disfellowshiped!
Personally I wouldnt worry.Material possessions to me are not enough reason to contact someone who is no longer part of the organisation.
But again I stress this is my personal opinion. Better still ask the Elders for advice.

Answer 4

What does your conscience tell you to do?

The circumstances have changed since you made the promise. You aren't in contact with this person anymore.

I had a friend tell me she wanted me to be her maid of honor when she got married. She married someone I didn't care for and I barely got invited to the wedding. Things change...I wasn't surprised.

I'd talk to an elder about it, if your unsure.

Answer 5

To your question: I think you should pray to Jehovah for guidence and go to the elders. Just listen to what these Sisters and Brothers write. *Ignore the stupid ones for they are the foolish ones.

*Proverbs 15:2, 7, 14, 28
2 The tongue of wise ones does good with knowledge, but the mouth of the stupid ones bubbles forth with foolishness. 7 The lips of the wise ones keep scattering knowledge about, but the heart of the stupid ones is not like that. 14 The understanding heart is one that searches for knowledge, but the mouth of stupid people is one that aspires to foolishness. 28 The heart of the righteous one meditates so as to answer, but the mouth of the wicked ones bubbles forth with bad things.


To the person who said bad ssociation is "good"....read the Bible especially 1 Corinthians 15:33. Yes bad association is no-no especially if you want to stay in the Truth and to many who don't know what our are beliefs are go to watchtower.org.

Here's a link to see why bad association spoils useful habits!

How Can I Avoid Getting Involved With the Wrong People?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050822/article_01.htm

Why Am I Drawn to the Wrong People?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050722a/article_01.htm

1 Corinthians 15:33
33 Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.

Thanks for the thumbs up! :)

Answer 6

Ask yourself if the principle found at Matthew 5:33-37 applies.

Matthew 5:33-37

33 “Again YOU heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You must not swear without performing, but you must pay your vows to Jehovah.’ 34 However, I say to YOU: Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, because it is God’s throne; 35 nor by earth, because it is the footstool of his
feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor by your
head must you swear, because you cannot turn one hair white or black. 37 Just let YOUR word Yes mean Yes, YOUR No, No; for what is in excess of these is from the wicked one"

Answer 7

Thats a tough situation. I would talk to him calmy...and try to motivate him to return to Jehovah.
As far as the promise...If he was disfellowshipped you should have no contact with him..if he is just simply inactive...you could find that as a excuse to talk to him and while you are talking to him...try to motivate him.
I hope this helps brother and I wish you the best on your decsision.
Take care=]
-Tereza

Answer 8

Hey, Howie
Sounds like a difficult situation. I'm not sure what other witnesses would do, but I'd give him a call and see if he still wants the stuff. If so, give them to him and that would be the end of that. Only cause you promised him. I wouldn't want him to be more frustrated of the truth because of me.
But, that's just me... :)

EDIT: OK, so if he's d.f'ed, that's a completely different story....sorry.

Answer 9

yeah this is kinda tricky aint it?
really we are discouraged to associate with such people so maybe you should go and speak to an elder. they will give you some good advice. have you noticed them coming to the meetings latley? if so it might mean that they might feel truely sorry about their wrong doing. maybe then you could hold on to them and if they show any signs of repenting give it back to them if they come back.

pray that Jehovah will find those lost sheep...

Answer 10

Talk to your elders if you need to.

It is only a disfellowshipped or apostate that is not to be talked to.

If he is just inactive, doesn't come any more, you can go visit and encourage him yourself.

Debbie