22. Rather than making many rules, the elders should be guided by Bible principles to decide how they will assist disfellowshipped individuals to come to repentance.
HOW CAN WE HARMONIZE THE ABOVE DIRECTION WITH 2 JOHN 9-11?
23. Second John 9-11 warns us of a contaminating influence, saying: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him.” Who are Christians instructed to avoid? The context indicates that this refers to “everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching,” and therefore it applies to apostates and those who actively promote wrong conduct. Such ones should not be greeted by individual Christians, visited by the elders, or invited to attend Christian meetings.
[Actually, the "this teaching" of verse ten is "confessing Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh." (vs. 7). By applying these scriptures to all whom the Watch Tower Society considers "apostates", the WTS fails to heed the apostolic admonition "Do not go beyond the things that are written." (1 Cor. 4:6) and Jesus' words regarding the Pharisees: "they teach commands of men as doctrines." (Matt. 15:9).]