If you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses, you have probably experienced the situation described above. Not just after regular meetings but also during Memorial nights, assemblies and conventions. Do you have a copy of that picture with you right now? Why not take a look of it again and bring back the memories of the time when it was taken?
How many are you in that picture? We know that each brother and sister is loaded down with personal problems. Yet they were there posing with us. If they were not there, then it will be a solo picture, not a group one. Isn't it nice that these people are not forsaking the meetings and are always present to encourage us?
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| Our latest congregation picture |
Who are in the picture? Perhaps we know everyone by name: the elders, pioneers, publishers, unbaptized publishers,and even Bible studies. Present are the faithful old ones, cute little children, happily single and married couples. They have different social status, nationality or ethnic background. But you can see the brotherhood. While taking the picture, nobody ever said, "I'm more important than you so I should be here, and you over there..." Where are you in the picture? It's a comfort to know that in this discriminate world, we can find a place of refuge in the congregation.
And, can you see the smile in their faces? Can you imagine a congregation group picture where everybody is apathetic or irritated? Hardly. Most are smiling, maybe because they are happy being with each other. Probably they are refreshed by the spiritual food that they heard during the meeting. And certainly, they enjoy the peace and unity that Jehovah is providing in this 'spiritual paradise.'
I have seen of many of such pictures taken from different lands and time and they have characteristics similar to your own picture and mine. But one characteristic is very evident in all those pictures - love. As Jesus Christ foretold: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” -John 13:35
