Kamál, 11 ʻ’Izzat (Might), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
The divine Prophets are conjoined in the perfect state of love. Each One has given the glad tidings of His successor’s coming and each successor has sanctioned the One Who preceded Him. They were in the utmost unity, but Their followers are in strife. For instance, Moses gave the message of the glad tidings of Christ, and Christ confirmed the Prophethood of Moses. Therefore, between Moses and Jesus there is no variation or conflict. They are in perfect unity, but between the Jew and the Christian there is conflict. Now, therefore, if the Christian and Jewish peoples investigate the reality underlying their Prophets’ teachings, they will become kind in their attitude toward each other and associate in the utmost love, for reality is one and not dual or multiple. If this investigation of reality becomes universal, the divergent nations will ratify all the divine Prophets and confirm all the Holy Books. No strife or rancor will then remain, and the world will become united. Then will we associate in the reality of love. We will become as fathers and sons, as brothers and sisters living together in complete unity, love and happiness; for this century is the century of light. It is not like former centuries. Former centuries were epochs of oppression. Now human intellects have developed, and human intelligence has increased. Each soul is investigating reality. This is not a time when we shall wage war and be hostile toward each other. We are living at a time when we should enjoy real friendship. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
Decide whether the following statements are true:
One should say exactly what one thinks of others; it does not matter if their hearts are offended.
It is all right to tell lies to avoid conflict.
Conflict can be overcome with love and kindness.
Words are more effective when they are said with love.
It is all right to fight with someone if he starts it.
One has the right to be sharp with others when one is sick or sad.
It is unkind to laugh at others when they do something wrong.
When hard feelings exist between friends, each one should make a special effort to become closer to the other.
When hard feelings exist between friends, each one should wait until the other makes an effort to move closer. 2
Google Bard Response:
The following statements are true:
- Conflict can be overcome with love and kindness. This statement is true. When we treat others with love and kindness, even when we disagree with them, it can help to defuse conflict and build bridges
- Words are more effective when they are said with love. This statement is true. It is important to nurture our friendships and work to resolve any conflicts that may arise.
- It is unkind to laugh at others when they do something wrong. This statement is true. It is important to be respectful of others, even when they make mistakes. Laughing at someone can be hurtful and humiliating.
- When hard feelings exist between friends, each one should make a special effort to become closer to the other. This statement is true. It is important to nurture our friendships and work to resolve any conflicts that may arise.
The following statements are false:
- One should say exactly what one thinks of others; it does not matter if their hearts are offended. This statement is false because it is important to be mindful of the feelings of others, even if we disagree with them. It is possible to express our opinions without being hurtful.
- It is all right to tell lies to avoid conflict. This statement is false because lying is always wrong, even if it is to avoid conflict. Lying can erode trust and damage relationships.
- It is all right to fight with someone if he starts it. This statement is false. Violence is never the answer, no matter who starts it. It is important to find peaceful ways to resolve conflict.
- One has the right to be sharp with others when one is sick or sad. This statement is false. It is important to be patient and understanding with others, even when we are not feeling our best.
- When hard feelings exist between friends, each one should wait until the other makes an effort to move closer. This statement is false. If we are waiting for the other person to make the first move, the conflict may never be resolved. It is important to be proactive and take steps to heal the relationship.
The passage by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasizes the importance of love, kindness, and unity. It teaches us that we should strive to overcome conflict with peace and understanding. When we treat others with love and respect, we create a more harmonious and compassionate world.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 222-223. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/16#846487127. ↩
- 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, 9. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 