Judgment Related to Repentance Elders must be able to discern genuine repentance on the part of the wrongdoer. Genuine repentance is vital for wrongdoers because it is the first step leading back to God. It is particularly important to be sure genuine repen- tance exsts in cases of repeated sin, a practice of sin. If gross sin extended over a long period of time, particular care should be exercised in determining the genuineness of the repentance. Repentance is generally manifested by works that befit repentance either before or during the committee hear- ing.
Some people are so deeply ashamed that they are reluctant to speak.
Or they have difficulty expressing themselves. On occasion it may take more than one meeting for reproof to reach the wrongdoer's heart and move him to repentance. However, the judicial committee is not obliged to meet repeatedly with the wrongdoer or put words in his mouth, trying to force him to repent, if it is obvious that he lacks godly sorrow. The time that has passed since it occurred. The circumstances that led up to it.