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Seeking Maturity in the New World SocietyThe Watchtower—1963 | July 1
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judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but also to all those who have loved his manifestation.”—2 Tim. 4:6-8; 1 Cor. 11:1.
35. How should we look upon the pursuit of maturity in the New World society?
35 Maturity must be the Christian goal for everyone, and it brings superb satisfaction and joy in the ministry. Strive for Christian maturity, because the greatest rejoicing emanates from the recognition of one’s close relationship with others and with Jehovah. With maturity we will always be conscious of Jehovah’s blessings. So, therefore, permit nothing to jeopardize the pursuit of becoming a “full-grown man” in Jehovah’s New World society. May our gaining maturity be with the objective of praising Jehovah and the great and sovereign name both by deed and by example, so others too can observe the fine course to follow that is illustrated in Paul’s well-chosen words to the Philippians: “Let us, then, as many of us as are mature, be of this mental attitude; and if you are mentally inclined otherwise in any respect, God will reveal the above attitude to you. At any rate, to what extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same routine.”—Phil. 3:15, 16.
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What Disfellowshiping MeansThe Watchtower—1963 | July 1
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What Disfellowshiping Means
A LOVING father takes a keen interest in his children. He guides them in the right way and, when necessary, disciplines them to correct errors.
Jehovah has great love for his children, his servants. He guides them in a way that will be pleasing to Him and that will bring them the greatest happiness. As the Great Father, Jehovah also provides for the discipline of his servants who err. This he does, not because he hates them, but because he loves them and wants to keep them on the way to everlasting life. “My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, neither give out when you are corrected by him; for whom Jehovah loves he disciplines.”—Heb. 12:5, 6.
Jehovah administers correction to the wrongdoer through his visible organization. (Isa. 32:1; Matt. 24:45-47) The disciplinary measures taken depend upon the enormity of the sin and upon the attitude of the offender.
However, minor offenses that one individual may commit against another are often resolved by overlooking the trespasses of another. As the apostle Peter said: “Love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Pet. 4:8) Repeated forgiveness is necessary due to human imperfection, and this was emphasized by Jesus in response to Peter’s question of how often one was to forgive. Jesus said: “Not, Up to seven times, but, Up to seventy-seven times.”—Matt. 18:22.
If a person feels he cannot overlook the difficulty caused by another’s offense, then he can resolve it by lovingly discussing it with the one he feels has given offense. This is the first step to take; as Jesus said:
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