Fidál, 07 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
If one friend feels love for another, he will wish to say so. Though he knows that the friend is aware that he loves him, he will still wish to say so…. God knows the wishes of all hearts. But the impulse to prayer is a natural one, springing from man’s love to God. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
What is the most fervent wish of a person who loves another? 2
Google Bard Response:
The most fervent wish of a person who loves another is to see the other person happy and fulfilled. This means wishing for their well-being in all aspects of their life, including their physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual health. It also means wishing for them to achieve their goals and dreams, and to live a life that is meaningful and satisfying to them.
Of course, what makes one person happy may not be the same for another. But a loving person will take the time to get to know the other person on a deep level so that they can truly understand what they need and want. Once they have this understanding, they can then offer their love and support in ways that are truly meaningful and helpful.
The passage from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that you quoted beautifully expresses the idea that love naturally leads to a desire to express that love. This can be done through words, actions, and even prayer. When we pray for someone we love, we are essentially asking God to bless them and help them to achieve their full potential.
Here are some specific examples of the most fervent wishes that a person who loves another might have:
- That the other person be healthy and safe.
- That the other person finds happiness and fulfillment in their life.
- That the other person achieves their goals and dreams.
- That the other person experiences the love of God and others.
- That the other person grows and develops as a person.
- That the other person be able to overcome any challenges they face.
- That the other person always knows how much they are loved.
Ultimately, the most fervent wish of a person who loves another is for that other person to be happy and fulfilled. When we love someone, we want them to have the best that life has to offer. We want them to experience joy, peace, and love.
- Report of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words as quoted in J. E. Esslemont, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pp. 94. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/importance-prayer-meditation-devotional-attitude/3#987236432.
. ↩ - 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, 17. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 