Daily Frameworks for 25 March 2024

Kamál, 06 Bahá (Splendor), 181 B.E

Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1

Quote for Reflection:

I give you my advice, and it is this: Train these children with divine exhortations. From their childhood instill in their hearts the love of God so they may manifest in their lives the fear of God and have confidence in the bestowals of God. Teach them to free themselves from human imperfections and to acquire the divine perfections latent in the heart of man. The life of man is useful if he attains the perfections of man. If he becomes the center of the imperfections of the world of humanity, death is better than life, and nonexistence better than existence. Therefore, make ye an effort in order that these children may be rightly trained and educated and that each one of them may attain perfection in the world of humanity. Know ye the value of these children, for they are all my children. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

How would you explain the relationship between the love of God and the fear of God so a child can understand? ²

Google Gemini Response:

Here’s how you might explain the relationship between the love of God and the fear of God to a child:

Love of God

• Imagine God as a kind, loving parent who wants you to be happy and safe.
• Just like you love your parents and want to make them proud, the love of God means loving God and wanting to do things that please Him.
• When you love God, you feel happy and grateful for all the good things in your life, like your family, friends, and the beautiful world around you.
  

Fear of God

• This fear isn’t about being scared of God like you might be scared of the dark.
• It’s more about respecting God and understanding that He has created everything.
• Just like you might be careful not to upset your parents, the fear of God means being mindful of your actions and trying to make good choices because you respect God and His teachings.
  

Together

• The love of God makes you want to be close to Him and do things that please Him.
• The fear of God helps you make wise choices that reflect that love.
• They work together to guide you on the right path in life.
  

Analogy

• Think of it like a delicious cake your parent baked for you.
• Because you love your parents and appreciate their efforts, you wouldn’t want to waste the cake or eat it all at once (love of God).
• You might also be careful not to drop it or make a mess (fear of God).
• Both your love and respect for your parent guide your actions around the cake.
  

Remember

• God loves you very much and wants you to be happy and successful.
• By following His teachings, you can show your love for Him and become the best person you can be.
  

This explanation keeps things simple and avoids dwelling on negative emotions like fear. It emphasizes the positive aspects of love and respect for God.

Microsoft Copilot Response:

Certainly! Let’s break it down for a young heart:

Love of God: Imagine God is the most caring and loving parent you could ever have. Just like your parents love you and want what’s best for you, God loves you even more. When we talk about the love of God, it means feeling close to God, like having a warm hug from someone who truly cares about you. It means knowing that God is always there, watching over you and wanting good things for you.

Fear of God: Now, don’t worry! This isn’t about being scared of God like you might be scared of a monster under your bed. Instead, think of it as having a deep respect for God. It’s like when you listen to your parents because you know they have your best interests at heart. When we talk about the fear of God, it means understanding that God is wise and powerful. We want to make choices that please God and avoid things that might hurt us or others.

So, the love of God and the fear of God go hand in hand. When we love God, we want to follow His guidance and be our best selves. And when we fear God, we respect His wisdom and try to live in a way that brings joy to our hearts and goodness to the world. 🌟❤️🙏

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 53-54. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/3#390130464. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1. 2.2.1.PE September 2021. Vol. Book 3. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, 14. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩