SA18 - Encourage One Another at Congregation Meetings

The following is based on a true story.

During the mid-week congregation meeting, the audience attentively followed the conductor as they review the book "Pure Worship of Jehovah—Restored At Last!" At this moment in the study, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. The audience sat in silence, their eyes fixed on the conductor who gestured towards the monitors, posing the question, "Maybe one of our young ones can tell me, who is depicted in this picture?" Uncertainty permeated the auditorium, causing everyone to hesitate, the adults who knew the answer held back, and the youngsters perhaps anxious about offering an incorrect response dithered. With each passing second, the uncomfortable silence grew, casting a veil of unease at this point in the meeting.

Amidst the crowd, a restless young boy named Alex fidgeted in his seat. At just twelve years old, he had been following along with unwavering curiosity and a strong desire to participate. This was his moment, and as the silence stretched on, the conductor began to look for extended audience participation. It was then that Alex's hand slowly rose, a mix of hesitation and determination evident on his face. The conductor noticed the young boy's hand and called on him. Swiftly, the microphone carrier moved into position, placing the microphone in Alex's trembling hand, while the conductor's eyes urged him to speak, he slowly raised the microphone to his lips.

Taking a deep breath, Alex's voice trembled as he commented, "Jehovah God?" His words reverberated through the audience, momentarily freezing time. With a look of disappointment, the conductor is taken aback, pausing cautiously before responding, "Well, you may think so, but no, that's not Jehovah God." The weight of the conductor's response crashed down upon Alex, engulfing him in an overwhelming embarrassment. Humiliation flushed his cheeks, as he silently yearned for the ground to open and swallow him whole.

Struggling to hold back tears, Alex sank deeper into his seat, whispering to his father, who sat beside him, "I wish I could disappear. I'll never raise my hand again!" His father's gentle voice reached his ears, offering solace amidst his distress. "It's not a big deal," his father whispered back, his hand resting gently on Alex's shoulder. "We all make mistakes. Just remember, no one knows what God looks like, so He will never be depicted in an illustration as a person."

Despite his father's support, the boy couldn't shake off his anxiety. The meeting eventually concluded, and as Alex and his father stood up, several kind-hearted individuals approached them, offering words of encouragement to Alex. They admitted that they had initially thought the picture represented God and reassured him that there was no need to feel bad for speaking his mind. "You simply voiced what many of us were thinking," one sister said with joy. The burden on Alex's shoulders lightened a bit as he realized he wasn't alone in his thoughts.

Later that evening, as Alex prepared for bed, frustration still gnawed at him. The memory of his unsuccessful comment replayed in his mind, fueling his self-doubt. "Maybe I'm just not cut out for commenting," he murmured to himself, engulfed in thoughts of insecurity. "It's so pointless that the conductor only asks questions he already knows the answers to," he mumbled while brushing his teeth. "The whole thing is stupid! I'll never comment again!"

The day of following meeting, as they made their way to the Kingdom Hall, Alex's father asked if he had prepared a comment. "I don't think I'm cut out for commenting," he quietly muttered. "It's pointless and only prolongs the meeting." His father attentively listened as they drove, then gently reminded Alex that Jehovah doesn't demand perfection. "Jehovah works with what we have," he said, recalling how even great prophets of faith like Moses and Jeremiah lacked confidence in their public speaking abilities. "But Jehovah helped them, and He will help you too."

Alex's heart held on to his father's words, finding comfort in the realization that even his admired figures from the Bible had faced similar struggles. Yet, he still wondered how future comments, though well-intentioned, might also fall short. His father explained, "Sometimes, it takes effort to express ourselves clearly. And while your comment didn't hit the mark last time, remember that everyone benefits from our participation in the meetings. Even if our expressions aren't perfect, they can still have a reassuring impact."

Even in his apathetic state, Alex's father's words resonated within him. He recalled the encouragement he had received from others after the meeting, reminding him that his efforts mattered, regardless of whether he hit the mark perfectly. Slowly, a spark of determination flickered within him.

"You see," his father continued, "when you express your faith and understanding, it strengthens your connection with the Truth. It imprints it more firmly upon your mind and heart, making it easier for you to recall the information later." Alex nodded, gradually realizing the value of his attempts to comment. "Yeah, like, I'll never ever forget that Jehovah can never be shown as a person in a picture. That's, like, super important!"

"That's right!" his father emphasized, highlighting how others also benefit from hearing his expressions, even if they don't come out perfectly. "Everyone," his father said, "whether experienced, young, shy, or new in the Truth, should make the effort to express their faith at congregation meetings. Their words encourage and uplift others, helping them feel the warmth of a supportive congregation."

That night, as the meeting progressed, Alex mustered his courage to engage once more. He had prepared well, but this time he prayed first, asking Jehovah to guide his words, and then he began to share his thoughts and expressions.

In the following weeks, the memories of his past missteps never truly left him, and at times he stumbled over his words, but he persisted. He remembered the lessons of Moses and Jeremiah, trusting that Jehovah would help him find his voice. As time passed, Alex grew more confident in his ability to comment. He realized that the process of expressing his faith through commenting was a journey, and even the stumbles and missed marks were essential parts of his growth. Each time he shared his thoughts, he could see the positive impact on others, and it warmed his heart.

The congregation also embraced the contributions of Alex and others like him. They made it a point to approach him after the meetings, not only to praise his efforts but also to share specific aspects they appreciated about his comments. This made him feel valued and encouraged him to continue sharing his faith. Inspired by their example, he did the same for others.

In the end, Alex came to understand that while there may not be strict rules on how to give comments, they play a vital role in fulfilling our commission to encourage one another. He realized that the goal should be to make our participation at congregation meetings uplifting and inspiring for everyone present. By shifting the focus from ourselves to the interests and needs of others, we create an atmosphere where an interchange of encouragement can flourish. Alex embraced this newfound understanding, knowing that his sincere and heartfelt comments, even if they missed the mark, could still bring joy and inspiration to those around him. With this mindset, he eagerly looked forward to future meetings, ready to contribute and be part of the collective encouragement that filled the Kingdom Hall.

Several months had passed since that memorable incident. Now, during a Watchtower study, the conductor posed a thought-provoking question, "Who are YOU looking forward to seeing in the new world?" Among the attendees, Alex's young friend Stephanie eagerly raised her hand and confidently exclaimed, "I can't wait to speak with the Apostle Paul in the new world!" In that instant, a familiar silence engulfed the audience, triggering a cascade of thoughts in Alex's mind. He silently contemplated, "Boy do I have a story to share with Stephanie..."

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.