Istiqlál, 08 ʻ’Izzat (Might), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
I beseech Thee, O my God, by Thy Word which Thou hast made to be the lodestone of the hearts and souls of men, the Word whereby Thou hast drawn Thy servants unto the heaven of Thy loving-kindness and the horizon of Thy grace and bounty, to accept from the former all that they have accomplished in Thy path and to ordain for the latter the recompense of whatsoever they had purposed to accomplish. Thou, verily, art the Lord of bounty and generosity, of grace and glory. O Lord, help certain souls among them to know their own selves and to restrain their tongues, lest they utter that which would abase their stations and bring their works to naught. Thou, verily, hast power over all things. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
“Lodestone” is another word for magnet. In what way does a kindly tongue act like a lodestone? 2
Google Bard Response:
A lodestone is a naturally occurring magnet that attracts iron. In the same way, a kindly tongue attracts people. It draws them in with its warmth and compassion. It makes them feel safe and loved. It creates a sense of connection and community.
A kindly tongue can also be used to heal. It can soothe hurt feelings, mend broken relationships, and bring peace to troubled minds. It can inspire others to be kind and compassionate, creating a ripple effect of good in the world.
In the quote from Bahá’u’lláh, the word “lodestone” is used to refer to the power of the Word of God to attract people to Him. The Word of God is a source of love, wisdom, and guidance. It can transform lives and bring about positive change in the world.
The same can be said of a kindly tongue. When we speak kind words, we are sharing the love and compassion of God with others. We are helping to create a more loving and compassionate world.
Here are some specific ways in which a kindly tongue can act like a lodestone:
- It can build trust and rapport. When we speak kindly to others, it shows that we care about them and that we value their opinions. This can help to build trust and rapport, which are essential for healthy relationships.
- It can defuse conflict. When we are faced with conflict, it can be tempting to lash out with harsh words. However, speaking kindly can help to defuse the situation and prevent it from escalating.
- It can encourage others. When we speak kindly to others, it can help to boost their confidence and motivation. This can be especially helpful for people who are struggling or who need encouragement.
- It can create a positive atmosphere. When we speak kindly, it creates a positive atmosphere around us. This can make people feel more comfortable and at ease, which can lead to better communication and collaboration.
In conclusion, a kindly tongue is a powerful tool that can be used to create positive change in the world. It can attract people, heal hearts, and inspire others to be kind and compassionate. If we all make a conscious effort to speak kindly to others, we can make the world a more loving and compassionate place.
Quote for Reflection:
Consort with all men, O people of Bahá, in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and goodwill. If it be accepted, if it fulfill its purpose, your object is attained. If anyone should refuse it, leave him unto himself, and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him. A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding. — Bahá’u’lláh 3
Question for Consideration:
Which of the following statements proceed from a kindly tongue?
“Don’t bother me!”
“Why don’t you understand this?”
“Would you care to wait, please?”
“What terrible children!”
“Thank you, you’re very kind.”
“I don’t have any time for you now. I’m busy.” 4
Google Bard Response:
The statements that proceed from a kindly tongue are:
- “Would you care to wait, please?”
- “Thank you, you’re very kind.”
The other statements are either rude, insensitive, or dismissive.
- “Don’t bother me!” is rude and dismissive. It tells the other person that they are not important and that their time is not valuable.
- “Why don’t you understand this?” is insensitive. It implies that the other person is stupid or incompetent.
- “What terrible children!” is rude and judgmental. It makes the other person feel bad about their children.
- “I don’t have any time for you now. I’m busy.” is dismissive. It tells the other person that their needs are not important and that they should not bother the speaker.
The statement “Would you care to wait, please?” is polite and respectful. It shows that the speaker is willing to accommodate the other person’s needs. The statement “Thank you, you’re very kind.” is an expression of gratitude. It shows that the speaker appreciates the other person’s actions or words.
The quote from Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the importance of using our words kindly and wisely. When we speak kindly, we create a more positive and harmonious environment for ourselves and for others. We also help to build bridges of understanding and cooperation.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Days of Remembrance. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 14, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/days-remembrance/4#843655871. ↩
- 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, 8. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#722589456. ↩
- Ruhi Institute, op. cit., 9. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 