I agree it's not necessarily a Custom to have a beard. But in today's society a beard isn't frowned upon among men or something that sets them apart as rebellious or something else as was in the past. But if a brothers conscious allows him to wear a neatly groomed beard then I see no reason to fault him for it or hold it against him in thinking he is not trying to remain modest. I prefer a beard and look better with one. Shaving also causes me to break out and face to burn. So I prefer not to. But I don't want to stand out as someone rebelling against the congregation so I'm stuck in guess. Hopefully the brothers will be accepting of beards soon
Usually, if someone is disciplined or reproved, they may have been involved in some type of misconduct, or shown a habit of perhaps continuing in a sin. The congregation would need to be cautious in associating with that person so as not to allow themselves to come under their influence in committing a wrong action. If a person does not accept reproof or continues in misconduct, they can be disfellowshipped. However, others in the forum may be able to explain more clearly. A reason for marking is listed below in 2 Thess 3:13-15:
2 Thess 3:13 For YOUR part, brothers, do not give up in doing right. 14 But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked, stop associating with him, that he may become ashamed. 15 And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.
Or, from a different perspective . . . Be careful who you associate with. Those who are at war with themselves have a a better appreciation and empathy for those around them. (Less chance of collateral damage.)
(Romans 7:22-25) 22 I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, 23 but I see in my body another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my body. 24 Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death? 25 Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, then, with my mind I myself am a slave to God’s law, but with my flesh to sin’s law.
(ESV) "But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members."
ALWAYS REMEMBER THE P.A.S.S.W.O.R.D. ? ?
P - Prayer (Matt.6:9,10) (Prov.27:11)
A - Association (Rom.1:11,12) (Hebrews 10:24,25)
S - Study (personal) (Prov.2:1-5)
S - Service (Field Ministry) (Matt.28:19,20)
W - Word (Read the Bible Daily) (Ps.1:1-5.)
O - Organization ( Deut.4:6)
R - Reminders (Ps. 119:46,52)
D - Directions (Ps.119:105) Discipline (Prov.6;23)
jw.org
The 2015 Watchtower Library on DVD for Windows has an update available. If you clicked on the box to update and you are connected to the internet, it will bring up a box and ask you if you want the current update (212 MB). It adds the 2016 Wt and Awakes , some brochures, the Meeting Workbooks and other things.
As of the 2015 DVD release, the plan is to release updates twice a year: in July and in January.
As of the 2015 DVD release, the plan is to release updates twice a year: in July and in January.