From the manual for elders of Jehovah's Witnesses
"Pay Attention To Yourselves and to All the Flock"
UNIT 5 (c) -- Part 3 of 3

## Clarifications and Guidelines on Handling Certain
Matters

### Even though all Iying is bad, when considering a case of
lying, elders should use good judgment, balance, and
reasonableness in determining the gravity of the sin and
whether it is a practice.

  Some lying may involve either exaggerating the facts or
  petty, misleading statements of relatively minor
  consequence.

  The person may have lied because of momentary pressure
  or fear of man. (Matt. 26:69-75 )

  Unless it is established by witnesses or confession that he
  has made a practice of flagrant, malicious lying, the elders
  would endeavor to readjust the person through loving
  Scriptural admonition without holding a judicial hearing.

### If there is a question about the mental state of a baptized
individual who commits some deed for which he might be
disfellowshipped, a judicial committee should consider
the facts of the case.

  Weigh the evidence along with the extent of mental
  incompetence, and then decide whether some
  announcement should be made or whether
  disfellowshipping should occur.

  Although there may be a basis for showing more than
  ordinary consideration and patience, the elders must
  protect the cleanness and spiritual well-being of the
  congregation. ( 1 Thess. 5 :14 )

### Marriage is of divine origin. (Mark l0:6-9)

  Engagement is a serious commitment and is normally a
  personal matter. (Matt. 5:37)

    However, unilaterally breaking an engagement may
    require inquiry if the one doing so has an organizational
    position of responsibility. (w75 6/15 pp. 382-4)

  Marrying an unbeliever is contrary to Bible principles.
  (Deut. 7:3, 4; 1 Cor. 7:39; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15)

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    If a dedicated, baptized Christian marries an unbeliever,
    this would result in disqualification from all special
    privileges for the time being. (1 Tim. 3:2, 4, 5, 12, 13;
    w82 3/15 p. 31)

      If the parent is an elder, a ministerial servant, or a pioneer
      and encourages, allows, or gives tacit approval to the
      marriage, this raises questions regarding his or her
      qualifications.

  Use of the Kingdom Hall must be in harmony with God's
  standards.

    It would not be used for marriages of unbelievers or the
    reenactment of marriages, such as on occasions of
    anniversaries. (w84 4/15 pp. lO-15; km 12/81 p. 4)

    However, on occasion the body of elders may decide to
    allow two unbaptized publishers, who are regularly
    associating and awaiting an assembly to get baptized, to
    be wedded at a Kingdom Hall.

      In each case, the body of elders will decide when the
      Kingdom Hall may be used for a wedding.

    The wedding vows that were puhlished in the April 15,
    1984, issue of The Watchtower, page 14, and that appear
    in the marriage outline, S-41, should be used.

      These vows may be modified according to the local law,
      but privately chosen and worded vows should not be used.

  ### Divorce and remarriage was not Jehovah's original
  purpose for man.

    The Scriptures urge married persons to remain together as
    "one flesh." (Gen. 2:22-24; Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:10-16;
    w83 3/15 p. 29)

    Many marital problems can be resolved by following the
    principle of Matthew 18: 15.

      The Law of Moses allowed the husband, not the wife to
      divorce on broad grounds of "something indecent."
      (Deut. 24:1)

    Jesus Christ strengthened the marriage arrangement for

  UNIT 5 (c) - 133

    Christians but gave equal right of divorce to the wife.
    (Mark l0:11, 12)

    In the Christian congregation, divorce is allowed only for
    "fornication," or por.nei'a. (Matt. 5:31, 32; 19:3-9)

    The marriage bond is not automatically broken in God's
    eyes by sex relations outside the marriage union; the
    innocent mate may forgive. (Hos. 3: 1-3; 1 Cor. 13:4-8)

      While elders should be informed one way or the other, it
      is up to the innocent mate to decide whether to divorce or
      not.

      The innocent mate should be informed that resuming
      sexual relations with the adulterous mate would indicate
      forgiveness and would therefore cancel the Scriptural
      ground for divorce. (w81 3/1 pp. 30-1)

    Forgiven adultery cannot be used later as a basis for
    divorce, but unrevealed instances of adultery, if later
    brought to light, could be so used. (w74 8/15 pp. 511-12)

    Forgiveness of adultery involves a willingness on the part
    of the innocent mate to resume sexual relations with the
    adulterous mate within a reasonable period of time. (w74
    11/1 pp. 671-2)

      A person guilty of adultery could obtain a legal divorce
      and be viewed by the congregation as free to remarry if
      the innocent mate refuses to resume sexual relations for a
      very prolonged period and yet has not sought a legal
      divorce.

        By withholding the marriage due, the nonadulterous mate
        would be indicating that no forgiveness has been
        extended.

      The elders would consider evidence from the adulterous
      mate to determine that there is a definite rejection by the
      nonadulterous mate.

    When divorce is the course decided upon, a divorce
    freeing a Christian for remarriage should be obtained by
    the innocent mate if possible or by the guilty mate with
    the innocent mate's consent; both of them are then free to
    remarry.

  134 - "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

      If the guilty one unilaterally obtains a divorce over the
      objection of the innocent mate, this does not free the
      guilty one to remarry.

        If he marries someone else while the innocent mate is still
        willing to forgive his adultery and resume their marital
        arrangement, his is an adulterous marriage. (Luke 16:18)

          This calls for congregation judicial action in addition to
          any already taken, unless he has already been
          disfellowshipped.

    A divorced couple (even if only legally divorced) who
    have sex relations with each other commit fornication.
    (Heb. 13:4; w82 9/lp.31)

      It is a matter for personal decision if a separated couple
      choose to have sexual relations. (Rom. 14:12)

    A person who commits adultery after having been
    divorced by his or her mate on unscriptural grounds would
    be Scripturally free to remarry, since he or she had already
    been rejected by the mate that obtained the divorce.

      The case of adultery would be dealt with by a judicial
      committee.

  ### Courting or dating when one party is not free to marry is
  wrong. (w80 8/1 pp. 30-1; w68 4/15 pp. 255-6)

    Strong counsel and repeated warnings should be given,
    and if the counsel is ignored, the individual(s) may be
    marked. (2 Thess. 3:14, 15)

    When such action has escalated to the point where it has
    become shocking and repeated efforts to help adjust the
    situation have been ignored, there may be basis for taking
    disfellowshipping action. (Gal. 5:19; w83 3/15 p. 31; w73
    9/15 pp. 574-6)

  ### If a person who has entered into an adulterous marriage is
  eventually reinstated, it would be a rare case for him to be
  recommended to serve in a responsible position in the
  congregation, at least not until after the remarriage or
  death of the mate he put away without Scriptural basis.

  UNIT 5 (c) - 135

    In any event, a considerable number of years should have
    passed. (1 Tim. 3:2, 12, 13; w83 3/15 p. 29; w80 9/15
    p. 31)

  ### Christians should avoid gambling in all its various forms,
  including lotteries. (Compare Isaiah 65:11; w89 7/15 p.
  30; g82 7/8 pp. 25-7; g81 11/22 p. 27.)

    Gambling can lead to or incite unchristian traits, such as
    greediness and covetousness. (Rom. 13:9, 10; 1 Cor. 6: 9,
    10; Col. 3:5)

      Additional bad results from gambling and association
      with gamblers give true Christians further reasons for
      avoiding it. (1 Cor. 15:33; g85 8/8 pp. 22-3; g82 7/8 pp.
      25-7; w80 9/1 pp. 29-30; w72 10/1 pp. 593-4)

    If a person makes a practice of gambling and after
    repeated counsel unrepentantly pursues a course of
    greediness, he could be disfellowshipped from the
    Christian congregation. (w80 9/1 pp. 29-30; w67 6/15 p.
    356)

      A person must guard against the view that petty gambling
      solely for entertainment is harmless. ( Gal. 6 :7, 8)

        However, elders would not want to get involved in what
        publishers do in this respect unless spirituality is
        endangered, either that of the individual or that of the
        congregation.

    If a business concern gives out prizes to winners of a
    contest or to customers whose names were drawn from its
    customer list, it may not be wrong to accept such a prize if
    no money has to be paid to participate. (w73 2/15 p. 127)

      A person needs to be careful that accepting such a prize
      does not stir up greed.

      The language used in advertising a drawing or contest, as
      well as the kind of sponsors, may involve elements with
      which a Christian would not want to be identified, either
      for personal reasons or for fear of stumbling others. (Rom.
      14:21; 1 Cor. 10:31-33; g75 7/8 p. 28)

      Gambling-related employment is not appropriate for a
      Christian.

  136 - "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

        An individual continuing employment directly involved
        with gambling or employment making him a clear
        accomplice or promoter of a wrong practice would be
        subject to disfellowshipping after being allowed time,
        usually 90 days, to make the needed adjustment. (km 9/76
        pp. 3-6)

  ### God's Word counsels all Christians to be law-abiding.
  (Rom. 13: 1; Titus 3: 1)

    Christians are to pay to Caesar what is Caesar's and
    should obey the laws of the land in all matters where there
    is no conflict with God's law. (Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1;
    w90 11/1 pp. 10-15, 18-28)

      By doing this, they have no need to fear being punished
      by the authorities as lawbreakers, and each one can
      maintain a good conscience. (Rom. 13:3-5; 1 Pet. 3: 16)

      When human laws conflict with God's law, true Christians
      follow the example of the apostles of Jesus Christ. (Acts
      4:19, 20; 5:29-32)

    In all business matters, Christians should endeavor to
    maintain a fine reputation.

      They should not be a part of any business that is forbidden
      by Caesar's law or engage in business practices that are
      illegal.

      It is wise to avoid making purchases from or employing
      the services of individuals or businesses known to be
      illegal in their operation.

      A person's employment should also be honorable so that it
      will not become a cause for reproach or stumbling.

      Following Scriptural counsel protects a Christian from
      consequences of lawbreaking and protects his conscience.
      (Rom. 13:3,5)

    If the elders learn of illegal activity or of some serious
    crime on the part of a member of the congregation, they
    may not be obliged by law to report the offender or the
    offense to secular authorities.

    UNIT 5 (c) - l37

      Though it is not the responsibility of the Christian
      congregation to enforce Caesar's laws, yet the very nature
      of some crimes demands that they be reported to secular
      authorities.

        It may be necessary to encourage the wrongdoer to turn
        himself in to secular authorities. Before any steps are
        taken in this regard, contact the branch office. of course,
        review the latest Society directives on such matters before
        proceeding.

      Although not enforcers of Caesar's laws, in cases that also
      involve the breaking of God's law, elders must give
      consideration to what has taken place.

        Depending on the wrongdoing committed, a judicial
        committee hearing may be needed.

      As suggested by the apostle Paul's comments regarding
      Onesimus, a person who was guilty of illegal activities
      before coming to a knowledge of the truth is not required
      to settle these things with the authorities prior to baptism.
      (Philem. 10-18; w78 9/15 pp. 30-1)

        A former thief would not be required to make restitution
        to all from whom he stole before baptism, although in
        some cases his conscience may move him to do so. (Luke
        19:8)

        The blood of Jesus Christ covers the sins of such new
        ones. They may get baptized. However, it is best to be
        judicious as to extending additional privileges. (Isa. 1:18;
        1 Tim. 2:5, 6; l John 1:7)

      If a person approaching baptism is an illegal alien, he
      should be urged to do what he can to rectify his status
      with regard to the law of the land. (w77 3/15 pp. 191-2)

        The Christian congregation today follows a course
        harmonious with the Biblical pattern of the apostle's
        dealing with the case of Onesimus. ( Philem. 8-22)

          Overseers are not to police the lives of the brothers,
          nor are they obligated to become acquainted with
          all the details of civil and criminal law so as to
          enforce these. Just as they do not check to see if
          someone's home meets every detail of the building

    138 - "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

          code, they do not investigate in order to determine
          whether a person has satisfied every detail as to his legal
          situation in the country before allowing him to get
          baptized or to continue in the congregation.

        Baptism would not be denied such a person, but he would
        not be viewed as exemplary and would not be used in any
        responsible position in the congregation. The same would
        apply to a person who uses fraudulent or illegal
        identification.

        A brother who has notified the authorities of his illegal
        status and filed papers to resolve his situation would not
        be restricted as to representing the congregation in prayer,
        sharing in teaching, or being appointed as a pioneer, a
        ministerial servant, or an elder if otherwise qualified.

          Such privileges may be extended even though the
          authorities do not act promptly on his request for
          permission to remain in the country. He is no longer a
          fugitive.

    ### Certain disputes between brothers should not be taken to
    secular courts but should be resolved in harmony with
    Jesus' counsel at Matthew 18:15-17. (Unit 5 (b) p. l08)

      At 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, the apostle Paul gave strong
      counsel that Christians should not take other Christians
      before secular courts to settle personal disputes that
      should be settled with the help of the congregation elders.
      (g83 2/8 pp. 13-15; w77 3/1 p. 147; w73 11/15 pp. 703-4)

        For some disputes, a neutral brother, or elders, may act as
        arbitrator.

        If an individual ignores God's Word on this matter, it may
        affect his congregation privileges.

      However, there are legal matters over which the
      congregation does not have authority and which may
      therefore be taken to a secular court for judgment without
      violating the principle or the spirit of 1 Corinthians 6:1-8.
      These include:

        Getting a divorce decree, child custody and support,
        alimony.

    UNIT 5 (c) - 139

        Obtaining insurance compensation.

          If a person suffers loss or is injured in or by an automobile
          owned by a spiritual brother, it might be necessary legally
          to sue the brother in order to obtain compensation from
          the brother's insurer.

        Being listed among creditors in bankruptcy procedures.

        Probating wills.

        Certain countersuits. For example:

          If a worldly creditor sues a brother, it might be necessary
          for the brother, for his own protection, to file a countersuit
          even though spiritual brothers are included in the action.

          If a brother takes legal action against another baptized
          Witness, it would not be a violation of 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
          for the one being sued to defend himself or to countersue.
          (This is true whether the matter was first taken before the
          elders or not. )

    ### Jehovah's Witnesses maintain neutrality with regard to the
    political and military affairs of the nations. (John 17:16; rs
    pp. 269-76)

      They do not interfere with what others do as to voting in
      political elections, running for or campaigning for
      political offices, joining nonneutral organizations,
      shouting political slogans, and so forth. (w86 9/1 pp. 19-
      20; w68 6/1 pp. 351-2)

      Since true dedicated Christians are "no part of the world,"
      if a member of the congregation unrepentantly pursues a
      course in violation of his Christian neutrality, he thereby
      disassociates himself from the neutral Christian
      congregation. (John 15:19; 17:14-16; w82 1/15 p. 31)

        Elders should talk to one known to be contemplating
        taking such a course, since he may be doing so in
        ignorance. (Ps. 119:67; Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim. 1:13)

        If he disregards the help proffered and pursues a course in
        violation of Christian neutrality, a committee should send
        the facts substantiating the disassociation to the branch
        office on the S-77 and S-79 forms.

    140 - "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

        An announcement is usually made that the individual has
        disassociated himself from the congregation, and the
        person should be told orally about his position. If for
        some extenuating reasons no announcement is made,
        persons in the congregation who might be visited by the
        disassociated person may be informed privately. The
        individual should be treated as one who is
        disfellowshipped. See Unit 5 (a), pages 101-2.

      When asked to express an opinion or sign a petition on a
      community issue, a person must weigh the matter
      carefully. Such action may or may not be appropriate. Is it
      a political issue? (w83 3/1 pp. 30-1)

      If a government requests temporary use of Kingdom Halls
      or congregation equipment in times of emergency, it
      would not be a violation of neutrality to comply.

      In some lands, all individuals are required to build roads
      or work in the fields. Where this is not a form of military
      service but is comparable to a tax, there would be no
      objection as long as the work itself is not in violation of
      Bible principles. (Matt. 5 :41; 22:21)

    ### By following balanced Bible counsel, Christians can
    usually avoid getting into situations that might involve
    acts of self-defense. (Prov. 15:1; 17:14; 26:17)

      If assaulted, a Christian could ward off blows or even
      escape from the attacker by temporarily incapacitating
      him.

      A Christian woman threatened with rape should resist to
      the best of her ability. (Deut. 22:23-27; g84 2/22 pp. 24-7;
      w83 3/15 p. 30; g80 7/8 pp. 9-13; g73 4/22 pp. 16-17;
      w68 6/1 pp. 345-50)

        Screaming is usually one of the best defenses; however,
        some individuals are unable to scream out of intense fear.
        (A male or female who is forcibly raped would not be
        guilty of por.nei'a. )

      It is not in harmony with the spirit of 1 Corinthians 13: 4-
      7 or Isaiah 2:4 for a Christian to learn karate, judo, or
      other martial arts. (Compare John 13:35; g75 12/8
      pp. 28-9.)

  UNIT 5 (c) - 141

    A brother would be disqualified as an elder, a ministerial
    servant, or a pioneer if he took up the study of such
    martial arts and practiced them.

      A person publicly advocating such could be dealt with in
      line with 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15.

      As in the case of a person who takes up professional
      boxing and continues in such a course, he would be
      expelled from the congregation. (w81 7/1 PP. 30-1)

  ### While the Christian congregation is not in a position to
  give direction as to all sexual matters concerning the
  marriage bed, individuals may be advised that in their
  intimate relations, as in all other aspects of Christian life,
  they need to display kindness, love, and concern for each
  other. (Eph. 5:28-3O; 1 Pet. 3:1, 7)

    Each one should have a hatred for all perverted sexual
    practices. (Lev. 18:22, 23; Ps. 97:10; Amos 5:15; Rom.
    12:9; Eph. 5:3, 10-12; Col. 3:5, 6)

    Persons should be urged to act in such a way as to
    maintain a clean conscience, and the marriage bed should
    be undefiled. (Heb. 13 :4; w83 3/15 pp. 27-31)

      While perverted practices are wrong, if within a marriage
      one is involved or has been involved in such, it does not
      mean that he or she would necessarily lose
      service privileges.

        If such conduct becomes known to the elders, they
        would need to consider: Is the practice recent or
        ongoing, or is it something that occurred in the past
        and is definitely conquered? Is the individual pro-
        moting such conduct as a proper life-style? Is his
        attitude one of remorse? If he is sincerely repentant
        and the situation is not generally known, it may not
        be necessary to remove privileges of service.

  142 - "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

  End of Part 3 (part 3 of 3)
  "Pay Attention to Yourslves and to All the Flock"

  [part 1] [part 2]