Jehovah does not tolerate serious wrongdoing among his people. He does not take the view that wrongdoers who are unrepentant should be “mercifully” allowed to continue associating with his faithful worshippers. Jehovah is merciful, but he is not permissive; nor does he lower his standards. (Jude 4) Indeed, to do so would not be merciful at all because it would endanger all in the congregation. (Prov. 13:20; 1 Cor. 15:33) Still, we learn that Jehovah does not want anyone to be destroyed. He wants to save people whenever possible. He shows mercy to people who have a change of heart and want to repair their relationship with him. (Ezek. 33:11; 2 Pet. 3:9) Thus, when the man in Corinth repented and turned away from his sinful course, Jehovah used the apostle Paul to explain to the congregation that the man should be forgiven and welcomed back. w24.08 33:7, 14-15

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus described the judgment of people who have the opportunity to support his anointed brothers. (Matt. 25:31-46) During the “great tribulation,” he will render this judgment right before Armageddon. (Matt. 24:21) Just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, Jesus will separate those who loyally support his anointed followers from those who do not. Bible prophecy shows that as Jehovah’s appointed Judge, Jesus will be righteous in his judgment. (Isa. 11:3, 4) He observes the conduct, attitude, and speech of people​—including how they treat his anointed brothers. (Matt. 12:36, 37) Jesus will know who gave support to his anointed brothers and their work. One of the primary ways that sheeplike ones support Christ’s brothers is by assisting them in the preaching work. w24.09 38:3-4

We can make sure that what we believe is true by comparing it with what the Bible says. For example, consider the case of the young person who wonders whether he has any value in God’s eyes. Should he simply accept that thought as true? No, he should “make sure of all things” by getting Jehovah’s thoughts on the matter. As we read God’s Word, we “hear” Jehovah speaking to us. But to get his thoughts on a specific question requires effort on our part. We need to focus our Bible reading on the topic that concerns us. We can do research on that subject, using the extensive study tools that Jehovah’s organization provides. (Prov. 2:3-6) We can pray that Jehovah will guide our research and help us to find his thoughts on our question. Then we can look for Bible principles and practical information that apply to our situation. w24.10 43:4-5