Does it make a difference if you are kind to a witness?

by dgp 16 Replies latest jw friends

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  dgp

  Just a hypothetical question. Suppose you meet someone who happens to be a Jehovah's witness. Suppose you get to know how he/she lives, and, though you understand you can't do much for the person, you still show you care. Does it really make sense? Will the witness think you're a kind person, and will accept your acquaintance, or will you simply be disregarded as a wordly that is nice perhaps but is still a worldly?

  Does creating a bond that is not friendship, but is not overt rejection either, make any sense at all?

  Say you're an old librarian who notices this JW boy is in trouble. Would it help the JW at all, in any sense, to show the JW boy that he cares? Would it make him think, and perhaps know that there's someone out he could rely on?

  If I am not clear, please let me know. Thank you for any posts.
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  Heartbreaker

  In my opinion, they'll take advantage of the fact you are kind, but if ANY move is made to make you question the Org, or try to steer them away from "the truth" then you are just a Satan influenced tool and you are to be guarded against.
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  tec

  I think you're being very clear. But I also think that we can only control ourselves. It makes a difference to be nice to a person - regardless of whether or not they are also a witness.

  What they do with your kindness, and how it affects their thinking, is their responsibility.

  Tammy
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  elderelite

  Does it make a difference? Personal decision. So many on this board have become atheist ...they may feel the "hell with-em". But if you still believe in the bibles message we owe it everyone to be kind, especially to those who are in a bad spot, one we ourselves may have been in at one time. So does it make a difference? is it right or good to be kind to a JW? Everyman for himself of course, but I try to be kind to all until given a reason to do otherwise.
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  mrsjones5

  I'm kind to everyone, unless they give me a reason not to be and even then I'm not about the fight. I'd rather just not interact with the person (I'm talking offline here).
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  changeling

  True kindness expects nothing in return.
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  OUTLAW

  It doesn`t hurt to be nice to a JW..

  I still know many..

  Just remember..Any friendship you have with a JW, is conditional..

  Never get too close..

  ...................... ...OUTLAW
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  changeling

  Oh, and elderlite: I'm an atheist. What does that have to do with showing kindness?
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  teel

  It all depends on the person. If he's somewhat 'normal' he'll react like any other person, which means a little kindness can go a long way. If he's thoroughly indoctrinated, it doesn't matter how you act towards him, if you're kind he'll see it as an opportunity to witness and harass you (you're almost like a witness, you're only missing the true knowledge); if you're rude he'll see proof that he's in the true religion because of persecution.
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  wannabefree

  At the very least, it plants seeds.

  For my own experience, my logical mind saw people other than witnesses acting like Christians, I would have to convince myself why they still deserved to be destroyed at Armageddon. Observing enough people who are not JW's living their faith over time can aid in tumbling down the walls of the Watchtower.