But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, . . . — Galatians 5:22
Joy, like love, is difficult to define. It may best be described by the things which it does. Like love, it describes an entire spectrum of emotions. Like love, it is developed in stages. It can perhaps be roughly defined as the delight of the mind in consideration of a present or future good.
Joy is not merely a feeling of elation, for it may be experienced in the most trying of times. It can be expressed in the midst of famine (Hab. 3:17, 18), in persecution (Acts 5:41), in the loss of temporal possessions (Heb. 10:34), and in trials (1 Peter 4:12, 13).
Hi Christopher, thanks for reply, I have been reading about bro Rutherford and there is a lot of negative talk about him. When he became President it was said he forced 4 directors out in about 1917 but after reading an independant history of the new world society, the writer a neutral (I think) says these 4 wanted to change the responsibilities of the new president so he was answerable to all the directors before decisions were made unlike the previous president Pastor Russell. Firstly he admitted no one will be as greater president than bro Russell who deserved the title pastor. He took the whole mater back to a congressional vote. On 15/12/1917 813 congregations in USA over 12000 votes were cast choosing the president, and directors. He and the directors had up to 10’000 votes the 4 dissident directors recieved on average 500 votes a piece. These ones I believe left and formed another religious group of bible students. Just a few months later he and the directors were imprisioned for a total 80 yrs apiece. During his tenure the brotherhood increased 100 fold. When he died 4 attended his funeral, no big monument like Pastor Russell. It was hardly noticed and the presidency passed over to Bro Knorr. Rutherford looked after Jehovah’s organisation during difficult times of ban persecution 2 world wars reaveling of the earthly hope and bringing Gods Divine name to the fore in the world especially with the emphasis on all Christians are ministers and preachers. My father served during this time and I do not recall any negativity about his feelings toward Brother Rutherford. Christian love to you all,