ugh, close ones who are disfellowshipped is such a struggle. all you can do is pray that they turn around.
I don't mean to be callous about this, but I really don't understand that. These people have rejected Jehovah and his standards and there is no place in my heart for such an one. And as for prayi...
Yes, but it would only be appropriate after they have shown signs of repentance, and even then I think it's only appropriate to pray that the elders notice those signs, and not specifically for the person to be reinstated.
actually, according to that article:
*** w71 6/15 p. 383 Questions from Readers ***
"Scripturally, it does not seem fitting and proper for a faithful Christian to pray for a disfellowshiped person...Jehovah’s law commands the Christian congregation to expel those who practice such things and who show no heartfelt repentance for their acts. The faithful members of the congregation should have no spiritual association with them."
check out the more updated Questions from Readers in 2001. I think this is an instance where the light has gotten brighter.....
hey, thx, Dan, you're right:
"Since the person is no longer in the congregation, any change in heart and attitude may be observed first by those close to him, such as a marriage mate or family members. Those observing such changes may conclude that the transgressor did not commit a sin that incurs death. They may be moved to pray that he may draw strength from God’s inspired Word and that Jehovah will act toward the sinner in harmony with His will.—Psalm 44:21; Ecclesiastes 12:14."