Comments You Will Not Hear at the 07-06-08 WT Study (May 15, 2008, pages 3-7(TREAT OTHERS)Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
HOW SHOULD WE TREAT OTHERS?
"Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.'-LUKE 6:31.
OPENING COMMENTS
This article shows that the WTS/FDS/GB knows what is the required behavior. But what discipline is given or counsel to those whose treatment of those in the congregation is very unchristian? Do abusive elders and MS lose their positions, do abusive husbands, do abusive and gossipy women? Can't all of us think of several jws that did not treat others as they wanted to be treated. And what about inactive family? Did Jesus shun his brothers who did not believe in him when he was on earth?
(John 7:3-5) 3 Therefore his brothers said to him: “Pass on over from here and go into Judea, in order that your disciples also may behold the works you do. 4 For nobody does anything in secret while himself seeking to be known publicly. If you do these things, manifest yourself to the world.” 5 His brothers were, in fact, not exercising faith in him.
(Mark 3:21) 21 But when his relatives heard about it, they went out to lay hold of him, for they were saying: “He has gone out of his mind.”
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1, 2. (a) What is the Sermon on the Mount (b) We will discuss what in this article and the one following?
JESUS CHRIST truly was the Great Teacher. When his religious foes sent men to arrest him, the officers returned empty-handed and said: 'Never has another man spoken like this." (John 7:32, 45, 46) One of Jesus' masterful discourses was the Sermon on the Mount. It is recorded in chapters 5 through 7 of Matthew's Gospel, and similar information is presented at Luke 6:20-49.*
How many do you think read Matthew 5-7 or even Luke 6:20-49? How many even read one verse in their comment or just paraphrase it. Or use the WTS technique, snippets, "Never has another man spoken like this"?
2. Perhaps the best-known statement in that sermon is the one that is often called the Golden Rule. It has to do with how we treat others. "Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them," said Jesus. (Luke 6:31) And what good things he did for people! Jesus cured the sick and even raised the dead. Individuals were especially blessed, however, when they accepted the good news he shared with them. (Read Luke 7:20-22.) As Jehovah's Witnesses, we are delighted to engage in similar Kingdom-preaching activity. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) In this article and the next, we will consider Jesus' words about this work as well as other points in the Sermon on the Mount that relate to how we should treat others.
Certain Christians cured the sick and raised the dead but not all. Was that all that Jesus did, did he not feed the hungry? How many of the anointed jws from 1879 did such things though?
Were the first century followers of Jesus known as "Jehovah's Witnesses"? What name does the Bible say was assigned to them by God?
(Acts 11:26) . . .and it was first in Antioch that the disciples were by divine providence called Christians.
Who were called jws? Israelites.........
(Isaiah 43:10) 10 “YOU are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “even my servant whom I have chosen,. . .
Where in the NT are Christians called Jehovah's Witnesses?
(Acts 1:8) . . .but YOU will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon YOU, and YOU will be witnesses of me (Jesus) . . .
(Revelation 17:6) 6 And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.. . .
* In your personal study, you are likely to find it very beneficial to read these passages before considering this article and the one following it.
Be Mild-Tempered
Q. 3 How would you define mildness of temper?
3. Jesus said: "Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth." (Matt. 5:5) In the Scriptures, mildness of temper has nothing to do with weakness. It is gentleness that we exercise in response to God's requirements. This attitude is reflected in our conduct with regard to fellow humans. For instance, we "return evil for evil to no one."-Rom.12:17-19.
Was Jesus alluding to a second class of Christians that would live on earth? How does that harmonize with verse 8?
(Matthew 5:8) . . .Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God.
or verse 9
(Matthew 5:9) . . .“Happy are the peaceable, since they will be called ‘sons of God.’
Later in this article the WTS says that only the "anointed" become 'sons of God' before the end of the 1,000 year reign. Have you ever wondered why the anointed jws instantly go to heaven while the great crowd take a 1,000 years to qualify for everlasting life. And anointed jws are supposed given immortality.
How is it that the anointed have such a rapid "attitude" adjustment?
Q. 4 Why are mild-tempered ones happy?
4. The mild-tempered ones are happy because "they will inherit the earth." Jesus, who was "mild-tempered and lowly in heart," is the "appointed heir of all things" and is therefore the principal Inheritor of the earth. (Matt. 11:29; Heb. 1:2; Ps. 2:8) It was foretold that the Messianic "son of man" would have associate rulers in the heavenly Kingdom. (Dan. 7:13, 14, 21, 22, 27) As "joint heirs with Christ," 144,000 mild-tempered anointed ones were to share in Jesus' inheritance of the earth. (Rom. 8:16, 17; Rev. 14:1) Other mild-tempered ones will be blessed with everlasting life in the earthly realm of the Kingdom.--Ps. 37:11.
CARROT: inherit the earth
Why does the WTS quote from Daniel rather than Revelation when discussing those who inherit the heavenly kingdom?
Where is the proof given that 144,000 is a literal number?
Where is the proof that Jesus was offering everlasting life on earth rather than in heaven? (See verse 8 and 9 above)
Q 5. Having Christlike mildness does what for us?
5. If we were to be harsh, we would likely try the patience of others and alienate them from us. However, having Christlike mildness makes us pleasant and spiritually upbuilding members of the congregation. Mildness is part of the fruitage that God's active force produces within us if we 'live and walk by spirit.' (Read Galatians 5:22-25.) Surely we want to be counted among the mild-tempered individuals led by Jehovah's holy spirit!
How harsh are these statements regarding non-jws? But jws will misrepresent this belief.
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/salvation.htm
"Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil." Watchtower 1989 Sep. 1 p.19
"Similarly, Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it." Watchtower 1983 Feb. 15 p.12
"Only Christian witnesses of Jehovah who successfully pass this test will survive and come forth like fire-refined gold for God's use in his precious new order". Watchtower 1985 Mar. 1 p.14
How Happy the Merciful!
Q. 6 The merciful" have what notable qualities?
6. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also said: "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy." (Matt. 5:7) "The merciful" have tender compassion and show kind consideration, even pity, for the disadvantaged. Jesus miraculously relieved suffering because he "felt pity," or was "moved with pity." (Matt. 14:14; 20:34) Pity and consideration should therefore prompt us to be merciful.-Jas. 2:13.
So many elders are not compassionate...and why, because they forget that they need mercy to be shown to them. Remember how Jesus treated Matthew the tax collector, Zacchaeus, Peter, and these women?
Can you imagine a judicial committee treating these people the way Jesus did?
*** w66 5/1 p. 260 “Happy Are Those Who Mourn”—Why? ***
For example, there was the woman known to be a sinner who came to a home where Jesus was a guest and who wet Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiped them dry with her hair and then anointed them with perfumed oil. No question about her mourning. Was she comforted? She certainly was, for Jesus said of her: “Her sins, many though they are, are forgiven, because she loved much.” And then addressing her, he said: “Your sins are forgiven. . . . Your faith has saved you; go your way in peace.”—Luke 7:36-50.
(Matthew 9:19-22) . . .Then Jesus, getting up, began to follow him; also his disciples did. 20 And, look! a woman suffering twelve years from a flow of blood came up behind and touched the fringe of his outer garment; 21 for she kept saying to herself: “If I only touch his outer garment I shall get well.” 22 Jesus turned around and, noticing her, said: “Take courage, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And from that hour the woman became well.
Or Peter...was he required to meet with a JC and required to wait a year before being taken off restrictions, and waiting another 5 years to be appointed to speak for the Christian congregation?
Q. 7 Pity moved Jesus to do what?
7. When a crowd met Jesus on his way to get some rest, "he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd." Consequently, "he started to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34) What joy we experience as we similarly share the Kingdom message with others and tell them about God's great mercy!
But the WTS leaves out these verses where Jesus showed that people needed more than just words.
(Mark 6:35-44) 35 By now the hour had grown late, and his disciples came up to him and began to say: “The place is isolated, and the hour is already late. 36 Send them away, that they may go off into the countryside and villages round about and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 In reply he said to them: “YOU give them something to eat.” At this they said to him: “Shall we go off and buy two hundred de·narii worth of loaves and give [them] to the people to eat?” 38 He said to them: “How many loaves have YOU? Go see!” After ascertaining it, they said: “Five, besides two fishes.” 39 And he instructed all the people to recline by companies on the green grass. 40 And they laid themselves down in groups of a hundred and of fifty. 41 Taking now the five loaves and the two fishes he looked up to heaven and said a blessing, and broke the loaves up and began giving them to the disciples, that these might place them before the people; and he divided up the two fishes for all. 42 So they all ate and were satisfied; 43 and they took up fragments, twelve baskets full, aside from the fishes. 44 Furthermore, those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.
Q. 8 Why are the merciful happy?
8 The merciful are happy because of being "shown mercy." When we treat people mercifully, they usually respond in a similar way. (Luke 6:38) Moreover, Jesus said: "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matt. 6:14) Only the merciful know the happiness that results from forgiveness of sins and divine approval.
Is Jesus talking about congregational trespasses or sins against us personally? Do elders have the authority to forgive sins?
*** w96 4/15 p. 28 Questions From Readers ***
There is no Scriptural basis for concluding that Christians in general, or even appointed elders in the congregations, have divine authority to forgive sins.
Christians can forgive certain offenses, in line with the apostle Paul’s counsel recorded at Ephesians 4:32: “Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.” Paul was here speaking about personal problems between Christians, such as careless talk. They should strive to settle these matters, forgiving one another.
But here is a twist:
*** w77 11/15 p. 693 par. 1 Genuine Repentance—How Is It Identified? ***
ELDERS are not ‘father confessors’ who have been authorized to forgive all the sins that members of the congregation may commit. It is Jehovah God who forgives the sins of repentant ones, doing so on the basis of his Son’s atoning sacrifice. Therefore, a person’s being forgiven by Jehovah is not dependent upon his confessing his sins to the elders. (1 John 1:8, 9; 2:1, 2) However, by serious transgression, a person can also sin against the congregation. This is the case because gross wrongdoing can bring much reproach and trouble upon the congregation with which the wayward one is associated. Hence, elders representing the congregation should make sure that the individual is genuinely repentant before extending forgiveness to him for the bad name that he has given to the congregation.
Why "the Peaceable" Are Happy
Q. 9 How will we act if we are peaceable?
9. Citing another reason for happiness, Jesus said: "Happy are the peaceable, since they will be called 'sons of God.'" (Matt. 5:9) The Greek word here rendered "peaceable" literally means "peacemakers." If we are peacemakers, we will not condone or participate in anything, such as slanderous talk, that could 'separate those familiar with one another.' (Prov. 16:28) By word and deed, we will pursue peace with people inside and outside the Christian congregation. (Heb. 12:14) Especially will we do our utmost to be found at peace with Jehovah God.-Read 1 Peter 3: 10-12.
Only anointed jws are 'sons of God.'
"We will not condone or participate in anything" such as child abuse "that could 'separate those familiar with one another.'
jws have been punished for reporting child abuse under the guise of slander.
http://www.watchtowerinformationservice.org/nytimes.htm
Of course only "slander" of the WTS counts; lies about individuals are rarely handled because it is so hard to pin down this kind of talk because the average KH is full of "gossippers" so often the elders, MS, their wives, and pioneers. I saw one showdown between and elder's wife and regular pioneer that ended in a draw since both women were habitual gossipers. Gossip about others was acceptable but things turned on them.
At peace with God = at peace with the WTS
Q. 10 Why are "the peaceable" happy?
10. Jesus said that "the peaceable" are happy, "since they will be called 'sons of God.''' Because of exercising faith in Jesus as the Messiah, anointed Christians receive "authority to become God's children." (John 1: 12; 1 Pet. 2:24) What about Jesus' peaceable "other sheep"? They will have him as their "Eternal Father" during his Thousand Year Reign with his heavenly joint heirs. (John 10: 14, 16; Isa. 9:6; Rev. 20:6) At the end of his Millennial Rule, such peacemakers will in the fullest sense become earthly children of God.--- Cor. 15:27, 28.
Only anointed jws are 'God's children." Are the "other sheep" in any sense considered the "earthly children of God" until the end of the 1,000 year reign and passing the "final test"? They are not legally "children of God" until their adoption per the WTS. So until then they have no place in God's family.
*** w06 2/15 p. 25 par. 16 Gathering Things in Heaven and Things on Earth ***
During the Thousand Year Reign of Christ and his associate king-priests, the great crowd will be joined by untold numbers of resurrected ones. (Revelation 20:12, 13) These will have the opportunity to become permanent earthly subjects of the Messianic King, Christ Jesus. At the end of the Millennial Reign, all these “things on the earth” will be subjected to a final test. Those proving faithful will be adopted as earthly “children of God.”—Ephesians 1:10; Romans 8:21; Revelation 20:7, 8.
Q. 11 How will we treat others if we are guided by "the wisdom from above"?
11. To enjoy an intimate relationship with Jehovah, "the God of peace," we must imitate his qualities, including peaceableness. (Phil. 4:9) !f we allow ourselves to be guided by "the wisdom from above," we will treat others in a peaceable way. (Jas. 3:17) Yes, we will be happy peacemakers.
Where is the intimate relationship with Jesus; since the Bible shows that his followers were Christians not "Jehovah's Witnesses"?
I wonder where the peace was when on 3 separate occasions 2 elders screamed at me (I was not screaming)? Or the time the elders screamed at each other in a elders meeting? Or the time the CO screamed at the elders he was visiting?
"Let Your Light Shine"
12. (a) What did Jesus say about spiritual light? (b) How can we let our light shine?
12 We treat people in the best way possible when we help them to receive spiritual light from God. (I's. 43:3) Jesus told his disciples that they were "the light of the world" and urged them to let their light shine so that people might see their" fine works," or good deeds to others. This would result in spiritual illumination "before men," or for the benefit of mankind. (Read Matthew 5:14-16.) Today, we let our light shine by doing good to our neighbors and by sharing in the work of preaching the good news "in all the world," that is, "in all the nations." (Matt. 26:13; Mark 13:10) What a privilege we enjoy!
So what does the WTS consider "good deeds"? Preaching WT doctrine and distribution WTS literature? Did Jesus teach from the Talmud, a human interpretation of the Bible? Did he distribute copies of his sermons?
Are jws the only ones preaching to others about the "good news." Mormons, Pentecostals, Lutherans, Baptists, evangelical groups have called on me.
But does the WTS teach that each individual will be preached to or that it is required?
*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***
Fifth, we see a global preaching work being accomplished, which Jesus said would take place just before the end of this system. Jesus stated: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecedented scale. True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah’s due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. (1 Corinthians 16:9) Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare Matthew 10:23.
Q. 13 For what are we noticed?
13. "A city cannot be hid when situated upon a mountain," said Jesus. Any city located on a mountain would be easily seen. Similarly, we are noticed for our fine works as Kingdom proclaimers and for such qualities as moderation and chasteness.-Titus 2:1-14.
So are the only works that is "required" is proclaiming the WTS interpretation of the kingdom?
(James 2:14-17) . . .Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if a certain one says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it? 15 If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, 16 yet a certain one of YOU says to them: “Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,” but YOU do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it? 17 Thus, too, faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself.
Q. 14 (a) How would you describe first-century lamps? (b) How is it that we do not hide spiritual light under a "measuring basket"?
14. Jesus spoke of lighting a lamp and putting it, not under a basket, but on a lampstand so that it would shine upon all those in the house. A common first-century lamp was an earthenware vessel with a wick that drew up liquid (usually olive oil) by capillary attraction to feed a flame. Often placed on a wooden or metal stand, a lamp would 'shine upon all those in a house.' People would not light a lamp and put it under a "measuring basket" -a large container having a capacity of about nine liters. Jesus did not want his disciples to hide their spiritual light under a figurative measuring basket. So we must let our light shine, never permitting opposition or persecution to make us hide Scriptural truth or keep it to ourselves.
How many jws are bold in identifying themselves as jws? Certainly not as Christians. So many jws only do what the WTS thinks is right if there a chance they might be seen by other jws. I work with a jw who has made a bad name for her group. Every week I have someone asking ME if that is how jws act.
Q. 15 How do our "fine works" affect some people?
15. It was after he mentioned a shining lamp that Jesus told his disciples: "Likewise let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens." Because of our "fine works," "some give glory" to God by becoming his servants. What an incentive for us to keep on "shining as illuminators in the world"!--Phil. 2:15.
his servants - Christians?
Another jw I work with has left her jw husband of 9 months...I don't even entertain questions on that...but no "light" is shining there per the WTS.
Q. 16 Being "the light of the world" requires what of us?
16. Being "the light of the world" requires that we be involved in the Kingdom preaching and disciple-making work. But something else is also required of us. "Go on walking as children of light," wrote the apostle Paul, "for the fruitage of the light consists of every sort of goodness and righteousness and truth." (Eph. 5: 8, 9) We need to be shining examples of godly conduct. Indeed, we must heed the apostle Peter's counsel: "Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection." (1 Pet. 2:12) But what should be done if strained relations develop between fellow believers?
So many jws think that they only are shining lights. I know so many non-jws that are generous, supportive, kind, loving.
Fellow believers - only jws
"Make Your Peace With Your Brother"
Q. 17-19 (a) What was the "gift" mentioned at Matthew 5:23, 24? (b) How important is it to become reconciled with a brother, and how did Jesus show this?
17. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned his disciples against harboring wrath and contempt for a brother. Instead, they were to be quick about pursuing peace with an offended brother. (Read Matthew 5:21-25.) Take careful note of Jesus' counsel. If you were bringing your gift to the altar and there remembered that your brother had something against you, what were you to do? You were to leave your gift in front of the altar while you went to make peace with your brother. After doing that, you could return and offer up your gift.
For 20 years (and longer) a sister in the congregation would not talk to me; would not tell me what the problem was to resolve it. Of course, she told others. Eventually, she treated others in the congregation with the same treatment and I accepted that I had not been the problem. BTW, this woman is an elder's wife and her next victims were an elder, his wife, the CO and his wife. She still maintains she is correct in her behavior. I wonder how her "gift" is received on God's altar. I'm sure her time slips are counted.
18. The" gift" often was a sacrificial offering that a person might present at Jehovah's temple. Animal sacrifices were very important' for they had been commanded by God as part of Israel's worship under the Mosaic Law. But if you recalled that your brother had something against you, settling that matter was of even greater urgency than offering your gift. "Leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away," said Jesus. "First make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift." Becoming reconciled with a brother was to take precedence over performing an obligation set out in the Law.
Makes you wonder how many jws put in their obligatory "time" and think it balances out unloving actions?
19. Jesus did not limit his statement to particular offerings and specific transgressions. Therefore, any offering was to be postponed if a person remembered that his brother had something against him. If the offering was a living animal, it was to be left "in front of the altar" of burnt offering in the priests' courtyard of the temple. After the problem was solved, the offender would return and the offering would be made.
I can guess from the placement of this information is that grudges and dislikes persist in many congregations and between congregations. I've been told that many elder bodies are divided into 2 camps with long seated problems even to the point of having to change around elders between 2 or more congregations, even bringing in elders from other states.
Q. 20 Why should we act to settle matters quickly if we are angry with a brother?
20. From God's standpoint, our relationship with our brothers is an important part of true worship. Animal sacrifices were meaningless to Jehovah if those offering them did not treat their fellow man properly. (Mic. 6:6-8) Hence, Jesus urged his disciples to "be about settling matters quickly." (Matt. 5:25) Along similar lines, Paul wrote: "Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with you in a provoked state, neither allow place for the Devil." (Eph. 4:26, 27) If we do become justifiably angry, we should act to settle matters quickly so that we do not remain in a provoked state and thus allow the Devil to take advantage of us.-Luke 17:3, 4.
If "our relationship with our brothers is an important part of true worship" why do so few elders make loving, pre-arranged visits on inactive jws?
How meaningful is a public talk, conducting a meeting, or time on a slip, if they don't show love to the injured members?
Always Treat Others With Respect
Q. 21, 22 (a) How can we apply Jesus' counsel that we have just discussed? (b) What will we consider in the next article?
21. Our review of certain statements made by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount should help us to treat others with kindness and respect. Although all of us are imperfect, we can apply Jesus' counsel because he does not expect more of us than we can do, and neither does our heavenly Father. With prayer, sincere effort, and Jehovah God's blessing, we can be mild-tempered, merciful, and peaceable. We can reflect spiritual light that shines to Jehovah's glory. Moreover, we can make peace with our brother when that becomes necessary.
Once again the WTS pulls in the disclaimer, "all of us are imperfect." How many jws will say that they are doing all they can do?
22. Acceptable worship of Jehovah includes proper treatment of our neighbor. (Mark 12: 31) In the next article, we will consider other statements in the Sermon on the Mount that should help us to keep on doing good to others. After meditating on the foregoing points drawn from Jesus' matchless discourse, however, we might ask ourselves, 'How well do I treat others?'
What is proper treatment of our neighbor? Should jws socialize with their neighbors? Should jws help their neighbors materially?
How Would You Answer?
What does it mean to be mild-tempered?
Why are "the merciful" happy?
How can we let our light shine?
Why should we be quick to 'make peace with our brother'?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
What about your old congregation? Can you remember long lasting feuds? People who hadn't talked to or acknowledged each other for years? Had not been in the same car group let alone same book study or the school overseer knew never to schedule those 2 sisters together on a talk? Or people had personally marked individuals in the congregation and spread their opinion to others so that they were never included in any social events? Can you imagine trying to go to meetings where few if any talked to you and you weren't disfellowshipped? Where if you tried to make a friend with a new jw, that these ones came up and spirited them away and clued them in that they would be "shunned" if they associated with you. And to see those same people go to the door or non-jws and represent themselves as being part of God's true organization?
Well, I'm sure most of us have experienced this and more. Wasn't it the lack of love that really pushed many of us out the door?
Next week continues more of this article's fantasies about jws.
Love, Blondie