Daily Frameworks for 23 December 2023

Jalál, 12 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

We are all united in one Divine purpose, no material motive is ours, and our dearest wish is to spread the Love of God throughout the world!
We work and pray for the unity of mankind, that all the races of the earth may become one race, all the countries one country, and that all hearts may beat as one heart, working together for perfect unity and brotherhood. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Suppose the opportunity arises for you to share with a friend one of the quotations by Bahá’u’lláh. Where does the joy you feel in your heart come from? Naturally, you hope your friend will be uplifted by the words of Bahá’u’lláh. But what if he or she does not show the enthusiasm you were expecting? Does the joy in your heart simply vanish? Why not? ²

Google Bard Response:

The joy you feel in your heart when sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s words with a friend won’t vanish entirely, even if they don’t show the same enthusiasm you expected. Here’s why:

1. Alignment with your purpose: Sharing the message of love and unity aligns with your values and the Divine purpose mentioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This act is a source of joy, regardless of the immediate outcome.

2. Planting a seed: Even if your friend doesn’t show immediate enthusiasm, the words may have planted a seed in their mind. These seeds can take time to germinate and blossom, and you can trust that the divine message will resonate with them in its own time.

3. Faith in the process: The Bahá’í teachings emphasize the importance of faith and trust in God’s plan. Even if your efforts don’t bear immediate fruit, you can trust that the message serves a purpose beyond your initial understanding.

4. Focusing on the act, not the outcome: Shifting your focus from the immediate response (your friend’s reaction) to the act itself (sharing the message with love and sincerity) can cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment. You’ve done your part; the rest is in God’s hands.

5. Learning and growth: Every interaction, even those that don’t meet our expectations, offers opportunities for learning and growth. Reflecting on your friend’s reaction and feelings can help you refine your approach and deepen your understanding of the message.

6. Unity in diversity: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s quote emphasizes unity while acknowledging diversity. Recognizing that your friend may have a different perspective or stage of spiritual development can further strengthen your commitment to unity and acceptance.

Therefore, while the hope of uplifting your friend might be a source of joy, true joy comes from aligning with your values, planting seeds of truth, trusting in the process, focusing on sharing, and learning from the experience. Your genuine efforts contribute to the collective journey toward love and unity, even if the path is not always linear.

Remember, the joy doesn’t vanish; it simply transforms into a deeper understanding and a renewed commitment to sharing the message of Bahá’u’lláh with an open heart, knowing that its impact transcends immediate reactions.

1. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 99-100. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/3#006175703. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 7. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩