Daily Frameworks for 11 September 2023

Kamál, 04 ʻ’Izzat (Might), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

O ye beloved of the Lord! In this sacred Dispensation, conflict and contention are in no wise permitted. Every aggressor deprives himself of God’s grace. It is incumbent upon everyone to show the utmost love, rectitude of conduct, straightforwardness and sincere kindliness unto all the peoples and kindreds of the world, be they friends or strangers. So intense must be the spirit of love and loving kindness, that the stranger may find himself a friend, the enemy a true brother, no difference whatsoever existing between them. For universality is of God and all limitations earthly. Thus man must strive that his reality may manifest virtues and perfections, the light whereof may shine upon everyone. The light of the sun shineth upon all the world and the merciful showers of Divine Providence fall upon all peoples. The vivifying breeze reviveth every living creature and all beings endued with life obtain their share and portion at His heavenly board. In like manner, the affections and loving kindness of the servants of the One True God must be bountifully and universally extended to all mankind. Regarding this, restrictions and limitations are in no wise permitted. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

According to the above quotation, what is not permitted in this Dispensation? ²

Google Bard Response:

According to the quotation, the following are not permitted in this Dispensation:

• Conflict and contention
• Aggressive behavior
• Hatred and hostility
• Discrimination and prejudice
• Narrow-mindedness and exclusivity
• Selfishness and self-interest
  

Instead, we are called to love, kindness, compassion, and understanding for all people, regardless of their race, religion, nationality, or any other difference. We are to see the stranger as a friend and the enemy as a brother. We are to extend our affections and loving kindness to all mankind, without restriction or limitation.

This is a tall order, but it is the only way to achieve the unity and peace that the world so desperately needs. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “Universality is of God and all limitations earthly.” When we let go of our limitations and open our hearts to all of humanity, we are connecting with the divine will. We are becoming instruments of peace and love in the world.

Here are some specific ways that we can put these principles into practice:

• Be kind and compassionate to everyone we meet, even those who are different from us.
• Speak out against injustice and discrimination.
• Promote understanding and tolerance among different cultures and religions.
• Work for the common good of all humanity.
  

By following these principles, we can help to create a world that is more just, peaceful, and loving.

Question for Consideration:

What does the aggressor do to himself?

Google Bard Response:

According to the quotation, the aggressor deprives himself of God’s grace. This is because aggression is a form of hatred and violence, which are contrary to the principles of love and kindness that God teaches. When we engage in aggression, we are closing ourselves off from the divine light and love that God wants to share with us. We are also creating suffering for ourselves and others.

The aggressor also sows the seeds of future conflict. When we act aggressively, we are creating a cycle of violence that is difficult to break. We are teaching others that aggression is an acceptable way to resolve conflict, and we are making the world a more dangerous place.

The quotation also reminds us that love and kindness are universal values. They are not limited by race, religion, or nationality. When we show love and kindness to others, we are not only making the world a better place, but we are also opening ourselves up to God’s grace.

In summary, the aggressor does the following to himself:

• Deprives himself of God’s grace
• Creates suffering for himself and others
• Sows the seeds of future conflict
• Closes himself off from the divine light and love of God
  

The quotation teaches us that we should strive to show love, rectitude of conduct, straightforwardness, and sincere kindliness to all people, regardless of their background. When we do this, we are not only making the world a better place, but we are also opening ourselves up to God’s grace.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1944. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1971, 13-14. https://archive.org/details/willandtestamentofabdulbaha/page/n11/mode/2up. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 7-8. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩