Strive ye, then, with all your heart to treat compassionately all humankind – except for those who have some selfish, private motive, or some disease of the soul. Kindness cannot be shown the tyrant, the deceiver, or the thief, because, far from awakening them to the error of their ways, it maketh them to continue in their perversity as before. No matter how much kindliness ye may expend upon the liar, he will but lie the more, for he believeth you to be deceived, while ye understand him but too well, and only remain silent out of your extreme compassion. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Art of Living, p. 74)
I’m helping a friend deal with this situation today. She’s chosen to not attend her mother’s funeral because an abusive brother has seized control of the mother’s assets and charged her with a crime she didn’t commit. She’s been made to feel unwelcome at the funeral. It’s a hard day for her and for me as it brings up a lot of issues around my own brothers doing something similar, causing me to be notified of my mother’s (and father’s) deaths too late to attend, and resulting in my being cut out of my mother’s will too. We have both chosen to act on this injunction: to remain silent (and stay away so she isn’t tempted) out of extreme compassion for her own poor self.
Life is not fair! There are people who are tyrants, liars and thieves and people who have selfish, private motives and diseases of the soul. In these situations we can be confused about how to act. Our first thought, after the shock wears off and we come out of denial about what’s been happening, is to want justice. When we encounter the system in place in our societies today, we are further shocked to discover that the so-called “justice” system is in fact a “legal” system. Big difference!
In other places in the Baha’i Writings, we see that God has pledged never to forgive another man’s injustice (Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words Persian 64)
Knowing I can leave justice in God’s hands, I can let go of my need for revenge, and I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read through today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Overcoming Abuse and Violence
A very interesting and thought-provoking article Susan. Thank you!
I’m glad you found it helpful, Anthony.
Susan, thank you for this artle. Thank you for reassuring me that answers are abundant in our Faith!
They sure are, Jay! We have an ocean of answers at our disposal, and I am grateful!
This has been my “go to” quote in a lot of situations!! Thank you for the reassuring reminder!
Thank you for sharing that quote Susan. I remember it being sent to me years ago when I was dealing with similar issues as well. In the quote above, “Knowing I can leave justice in God’s hands, I can let go of my need for revenge, and I am grateful!”, I never felt the need for revenge, just safety for other family members and some justice. And there is a quote that says something to the effect that if justice isn’t done in this world, it will be recieved in the next which that quote states. On the point of when not to be kind, yes, though sometimes it’s not always easy to know who the liars and tyrants are.
Yes, I’ve always taken comfort in this Hidden Word, which might be what you’re thinking of:
Or if it’s “many” could be about u.
It’s true, Pat. Especially lying. We live in a culture of lying and often do it without thinking. I think this quote has more to do with those who harm others by their behavior, and while even a white lie can hurt, it’s usually to protect someone rather than harm them. ‘Abdu’l-Baha tells us we are all sinners so we can’t avoid everyone!
Mine too, Susan!
I love your work, but surprised that you are misquoting a Hidden Word. The correct text is:
Persian 64
“Withdraw your hands from tyranny, for I have pledged Myself not to forgive any man’s injustice. This is My covenant which I have irrevocably decreed in the preserved tablet and sealed with My seal of glory.”
http://www.bahai.org/r/213141042
Good catch Kerry. I didn’t put it in quotation marks. You’re right to call me on it, though. In my mind they mean the same thing. Do you see it differently?
What sticks out for me today is the reminder to leave justice in God’s hands. God sees the big picture and is the best One to figure out what is fair. In my own case, the suffering I and my children endured at the hands of others freed me from the illusion that I could receive justice from the courts. I became more reliant on God who has proven to be the most loving generous protector. The best Beloved. The Healer. The remover of all difficulties as they arise. Having this relationship is the greatest gift! No amount of lying, cheating, stealing can take that away.
I totally agree with you, Nancy! Expecting justice from the “legal” system just won’t happen. I’ve seen so many people hurt by this system, whereas God’s justice is perfect and perfectly timed. Recognizing the Manifestation of God for this age is the greatest gift any of us can receive as compensation!
most true. and i have seen / experience ‘karma’ taking place…it can be hair-raising!
Yes, I love to see karma at play too, Mel. One of the best forms of karma, though, is so disguised we don’t always see it. I’ve always enjoyed this quote:
I just noticed and studied this quote a couple of years ago. If I had seen it earlier in my Baha’i life, I would have avoided a lot of heartbreak…
I would like to note that this quote is also found in the Authoritative Texts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/6#332944532. They appear to be identical.
Great sleuth work, Vaughan! Thanks!
Thought provoking post
Funerals, I believe, are for the living and those who have passed have a greater understanding of the lessons humans are struggling to learn (and possibly don’t care where we learn them -funerals included just as long as we learn)
What a wonderful insight, Judith. Thanks for sharing!