Later, while resting, the Master told Mrs
bahaistories.com archive · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
Later, while resting, the Master told Mrs. True about His friends. 'These are My friends, My friends. Some of them are My enemies, but they think I do not know it, because they appear friendly, and to them I am very kind, for one must love his enemies and do good to them.' He explained that there simply was not sufficient work in 'Akká. Men could do but two kinds of work: they could fish, but the sea had been too stormy lately, or they could carry loads on their backs, which required great strength. Those who attempted to deceive Him were rebuked and told where they might obtain work.
Source: Honnold, Annamarie, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 80
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: poor).
Discuss this story
For adults
- What stands out about 'Abdu'l-Bahá's response in this account?
- What might 'Abdu'l-Bahá's example ask of us in our own circumstances?
- Where do you see kindness appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
For teens
- If you were going to tell a friend this story in two sentences, what would you say?
- If you were in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's place, what might you have done?
Reflection
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
- Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
- Take one line from this story and let it stay with you today.
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "Later, while resting, the Master told Mrs" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/poor
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