• What if You Commit a Serious Sin?
    Enjoy Life Forever!—An Interactive Bible Course

    • 4. Jehovah shows mercy to sinners

      If a person who has committed a serious sin refuses to follow Jehovah’s standards, he is removed from the congregation, and we do not socialize with him. Read 1 Corinthians 5:6, 11, and then discuss this question:

      • Just as leaven ferments bread dough, how would socializing with an unrepentant sinner affect the congregation?

      In imitation of Jehovah’s mercy toward imperfect sinners, elders reach out and help those who have been removed from the congregation. Many have returned to the congregation because the discipline, although painful, brought them to their senses.​—Psalm 141:5.

      How does the way Jehovah deals with sinners show that he is reasonable, merciful, and loving?

      5. Jehovah forgives us when we repent

      Jesus used an illustration that helps us understand how Jehovah feels when a person repents. Read Luke 15:1-7, and then discuss this question:

      • What does this teach you about Jehovah?

      Read Ezekiel 33:11, and then discuss this question:

  • Remain Loyal to Jehovah
    Enjoy Life Forever!—An Interactive Bible Course

    • 1. How could others test our loyalty to Jehovah?

      Some people will try to prevent us from serving Jehovah. Who would do such a thing? Some who have left the truth tell lies about God’s organization in order to destroy our faith. They are called apostates. Also, some religious leaders spread false information about us to cause unsuspecting ones to leave the truth. It is dangerous for us to argue with any opposers, to read their books or blogs, to go to their websites, or to watch their videos. Regarding those who try to discourage others from loyally serving Jehovah, Jesus said: “Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”​—Matthew 15:14.

      2. What personal decisions may test our loyalty to Jehovah?

      Love for Jehovah will move us to avoid having any involvement with false religion. Neither our job nor the organizations we belong to nor any activities we engage in should be connected with false religion. Jehovah warns us: “Get out of [Babylon the Great], my people.”​—Revelation 18:2, 4.

      DIG DEEPER

      Learn how you can avoid letting anyone weaken your loyalty to Jehovah. Also see how you can show loyalty by getting out of Babylon the Great.

      3. Beware of false teachers

      How should we react if we hear negative things about Jehovah’s organization? Read Proverbs 14:15, and then discuss this question:

      • Why are we careful not to believe everything we hear?

      Read 2 John 9-11, and then discuss these questions:

      • How should we treat apostates?

      • Even if we do not interact directly with apostates, how could we come into contact with their teachings?

      • How do you think Jehovah would feel if we were to pay attention to negative speech about him or his organization?

      4. Remain loyal to God when a brother sins