10:1, 2, 4-7

Our loyalty to Jehovah can be greatly tested when a loved one is disfellowshipped. Jehovah’s instruction to Aaron provides a clear message to those who must cut off association with a disfellowshipped relative. Our love for Jehovah must be stronger than our love for unfaithful family members.

What blessings can come to those who work along with Jehovah’s instructions regarding disfellowshipped ones?​—1Co 5:11; 2Jo 10, 11

DISCUSSIONS:

\”Despite our pain of heart, we must avoid normal contact with a disfellowshipped family member by telephone, text messages, letters, e-mails, or social media.\” Watchtower 2017 Oct p.16

“A conflict of loyalties may arise when a close relative is disfellowshipped. For example, a sister named Anne received a telephone call from her disfellowshipped mother. The mother wanted to visit Anne because she felt pained by her isolation from the family. Anne was deeply distressed by the plea and promised to reply by letter. Before writing, she reviewed Bible principles. (1 Cor. 5:11; 2 John 9-11) Anne wrote and kindly reminded her mother that she had cut herself off from the family by her wrongdoing and unrepentant attitude. “The only way you can relieve your pain is by returning to Jehovah,” Anne wrote.” Watchtower 2016 Feb p.29

\”Are you personally proving yourself holy with regard to not associating with family members or others who have been disfellowshipped?\” Watchtower 2014 Nov 15 p.14

\”Really, what your beloved family member needs to see is your resolute stance to put Jehovah above everything else – including the family bond. … Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail.\”

\”Suppose, for example, that the only son of an exemplary Christian couple leaves the truth. Preferring \”the temporary enjoyment of sin\” to a personal relationship with Jehovah and with his godly parents, the young man is disfellowshipped. … the Bible says \”to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator. … They also realise that the word \”anyone\” in this verse includes family members not living under their roof. … Our hearts go out to those parents. After all, their son had a choice, and he chose to pursue his unchristian lifestyle rather than to continue to enjoy close association with his parents and other fellow believers. The parents, on the other hand, had no say in the matter. … But what will those dear parents do? Will they obey Jehovah\’s clear direction? Or will they rationalize that they can have regular association with the disfellowshipped son and call it, \”necessary family business\”? In making their decision, they must not fail to consider how Jehovah feels about what they are doing. … Today, Jehovah does not immediately execute those who violate his laws. He lovingly gives them an opportunity to repent from their unrighteous works. How would Jehovah feel, though, if the parents of an unrepentant wrongdoer kept putting Him to the test by having unnecessary association with their disfellowshipped son or daughter?\” Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.31, p.32