Daily Frameworks for 10 February 2024

Jalál, 04 Mulk (Dominion), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

Every eye, in this Day, should seek what will best promote the Cause of God. He, Who is the Eternal Truth, beareth Me witness! Nothing whatever can, in this Day, inflict a greater harm upon this Cause than dissension and strife, contention, estrangement and apathy, among the loved ones of God. Flee them, through the power of God and His sovereign aid, and strive ye to knit together the hearts of men, in His Name, the Unifier, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

What must be avoided for a community to be truly united? ²

Google Gemini Response:

Based on the provided quote by Bahá’u’lláh, a truly united community should avoid the following things:

• Dissension and strife: This includes disagreements, arguments, and quarrels, especially those that turn personal and attack individuals rather than focusing on the issue at hand. It also encompasses harmful gossip and backbiting.
• Contention: This refers to constant disputes and competitiveness within the community, leading to division and hindering collective progress.
• Estrangement and apathy: This involves individuals distancing themselves from others in the community due to differences or lack of interest, resulting in isolation and weakened bonds.
• Selfishness and personal agendas: Focusing primarily on individual needs and desires over the collective good of the community can create friction and hinder unity.
  

Additionally, the quote highlights the importance of actively promoting:

• Understanding and compassion: Seeking to understand different perspectives and showing empathy for others’ experiences can bridge divides and create a more inclusive environment.
• Collaboration and cooperation: Working together towards shared goals and focusing on strengths instead of differences fosters a sense of unity and common purpose.
• Forgiveness and reconciliation: Letting go of past grudges and seeking to build bridges through open communication and understanding allows for healing and stronger bonds.
• Love and unity: Cultivating a spirit of love, respect, and acceptance for all community members, regardless of differences, creates a foundation for true unity.
  

It’s important to remember that achieving true unity is an ongoing process. Communities will inevitably face challenges, and differences will arise. The key is actively avoiding the destructive behaviors mentioned above and consciously cultivating the positive qualities that foster understanding, collaboration, and love.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

The words of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, resonate with wisdom and guidance. To achieve true unity within a community, certain pitfalls must be avoided. Here are some key aspects that contribute to genuine unity:

• Dissension and Strife: Disagreements and conflicts among community members can erode unity. When individuals harbor animosity or engage in divisive behavior, it weakens the collective bond.
  
• Contention: Contentious attitudes, arguments, and disputes hinder progress. A community thrives when people collaborate, listen to one another, and seek common ground.
  
• Estrangement: Isolation and distancing from fellow community members create barriers. Building bridges and fostering connections are essential for unity.
  
• Apathy: Indifference or lack of active participation can fracture a community. Genuine unity requires engagement, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward one another.
  

In summary, unity flourishes when we embrace compassion, understanding, and a commitment to work together for the greater good. Let us heed Bahá’u’lláh’s call to knit our hearts together in unity and love. ³

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed February 9, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/2#852608044. ↩
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, 49. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
3. Source: Conversation with Copilot, 2/9/2024
   (1) Community Violence Prevention – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/communityviolence/index.html.
   (2) Section 4. Strategies and Activities for Reducing … – Community Tool Box. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/cultural-competence/reduce-prejudice-racism/main.
   (3) Chapter 18. Deciding Where to Start – Community Tool Box. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/analyze/where-to-start/participatory-approaches/main. ↩