Daily Frameworks for 24 September 2023

Jamál, 17 ʻ’Izzat (Might), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quotes for Reflection:

…backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Speak no evil, that thou mayest not hear it spoken unto thee, and magnify not the faults of others that thine own faults may not appear great — Bahá’u’lláh ³

How couldst thou forget thine own faults and busy thyself with the faults of others? — Bahá’u’lláh ⁴

Question for Consideration:

With the above quotations in mind, what do you do when a friend starts to talk about another person’s faults? ⁵

Google Bard Response:

When a friend starts to talk about another person’s faults, I would do the following:

1. Listen. I would listen to my friend without judgment. It is important to let them know that I am there for them and that I care about what they have to say.
2. Ask clarifying questions. I might ask my friend some clarifying questions, such as why they are talking about this person’s faults or how they feel about the situation. This will help me to better understand their perspective.
3. Gently remind them of the Bahá’í teachings on backbiting and speaking ill of others. I would do this in a loving and supportive way, reminding them that it is important to focus on our own shortcomings rather than the shortcomings of others.
4. Suggest that we talk about something else. If my friend continues to talk about the other person’s faults, I might suggest that we talk about something else. This could be a good way to shift the conversation and avoid getting caught up in gossip.
   

It is important to remember that we all have faults. We are all on a journey of spiritual growth and development. When we focus on the faults of others, we prevent ourselves from progressing. We also create a barrier between ourselves and others.

It is also important to remember that we are all connected. When we hurt others, we hurt ourselves. When we are kind to others, we are kind to ourselves.

When we focus on the good in others, we create a more positive and loving world for everyone.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 24, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#568533901. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 24, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#605082403. ↩
3. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 24, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#697759113. ↩
4. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 24, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#568477331. ↩
5. 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, 10. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩