Daily Frameworks for 23 November 2023

Istijlál, 01 Qawl (Speech), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The virtues and attributes pertaining unto God are all evident and manifest, and have been mentioned and described in all the heavenly Books. Among them are trustworthiness, truthfulness, purity of heart while communing with God, forbearance, resignation to whatever the Almighty hath decreed, contentment with the things His Will hath provided, patience, nay, thankfulness in the midst of tribulation, and complete reliance, in all circumstances, upon Him. These rank, according to the estimate of God, among the highest and most laudable of all acts. All other acts are, and will ever remain, secondary and subordinate unto them.… — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

Can you mention some of the attributes of God? ²

Google Bard Response:

Sure, here are some of the attributes of God that humans should strive to achieve, based on the quote from Bahá’u’lláh:

• Trustworthiness: We should be honest and reliable in our dealings with others.
• Truthfulness: We should always speak the truth, even when it is difficult.
• Purity of heart: We should strive to keep our thoughts and intentions pure and free from negative influences.
• Forbearance: We should be patient and understanding in the face of adversity.
• Resignation to whatever the Almighty hath decreed: We should accept what comes our way with grace and trust in God’s plan.
• Contentment with the things His Will hath provided: We should be grateful for what we have and not covet what others have.
• Patience: We should be able to endure hardship without complaining.
• Thankfulness in the midst of tribulation: We should be able to find gratitude even in the most difficult times.
• Complete reliance, in all circumstances, upon Him: We should put our trust in God and know that He will always be there for us.
  

By striving to develop these attributes, we can become more like God and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 20, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#095936729. ↩
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, 41-42. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩