Development of a good character.
28. Development of a good character. One of the main objectives behind the teachings of the religions of God’s true holy manifestations (holy messengers), is to try and bring about the development of good moral characteristics in the individual, for the betterment of the individual’s soul and the upliftment of the world and society around us: The development of good moral characteristics in man, is a main theme behind the religions of God in the past, the present and will be into the unforeseeable future. Some of the religions may not call them by that name, development of moral characteristics, or even mention good characteristics as a goal that we are trying to achieve, but, most assuredly, God’s holy teachers are striving to educate mankind into becoming better spiritual people through the all guiding words of God’s holy writings.
I have only chosen a few teaching to talk about here, charity, virtue, following of the holy writings, honesty, patience, justice, live by doing good deeds, uprightness, mercy to our fellow brothers and sisters and being kind to one another, just to name a few, but anyone can see how following these teachings would lead to the betterment of an individual’s soul and the betterment of the world around us. These are just a few of the spiritual qualities, to be found in the writings of God’s holy manifestations, for the betterment of man, for a more complete list: (see spiritual qualities of the religions for more information) 
Judaism: Deuteronomy 27:10 “Thou shalt obey the voice of The LORD thy God, and do His commandments and His statutes,” Deuteronomy 23:23 “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform;” 4 Ezra 7:35 “And the work shall follow, and the reward shall be shewed, and the good deeds shall be of force,” (Deuterocanonical Apocrypha) Deuteronomy 15:7 “Thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:” Deuteronomy 15:8 “But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.” Exodus 33:19 “Be gracious, and shew mercy.” Proverbs 3:3 “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee.” Proverbs 19:20 “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of The LORD, that shall stand.” 19:22 “The desire of a man is his kindness:” Isaiah 26:7 “The way of the just is uprightness.” Isaiah 56:1 “Thus saith The LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed.” Psalms 24:4 “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; (virtuous) who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” Psalms 24:5 “He shall receive the blessing from The LORD.” Psalms 37:7 Rest in The LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 
Christianity: John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 15:10 “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” 1 Timothy 1:5 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” 1 Corinthians 13:2 “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” Luke 6:36 “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour (uprightness) preferring one another;” Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” 2 Corinthians 6:6 “By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,” Colossians 3:12 “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;” Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, what-so-ever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 “Now we exhort you, brethren, be patient toward all men.”
ISLAM: 132. “Obey Allah (God) and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy.”
(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 3)
Islam: Letter 31 Build your character with the help of true faith in religion and Allah.
(Islam, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh)
Islam: Letter 31 “Develop the habit of patience against sufferings, calamities and adversities. This virtue of patience is one of the highest values of morality and nobility of character and it is the best habit which one can develop.”
(Islam, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh)
Islam: 9. “Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness hath Allah (God) promised forgiveness and a great reward.”
(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 5)
Islam: 119. “O ye who believe! fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).”
(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 9)
Islam: “Be forgiving, merciful and compassionate. These traits will help you to gain your salvation.”
(Islam, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh)
Islam: 43. “Be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).”
(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 2)
Islam: 15. “We have enjoined on man Kindness.”
(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 46)
Islam: 30. “Lo! those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and afterward are upright, the angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but hear good tidings of the paradise which ye are promised.”
(The Qur’an (Pickthall tr), Sura 41 – Revelations Well Expounded)
Islam: 29. “But if ye seek Allah and His Messenger, and the Home of the Hereafter, verily Allah has prepared for the well-doers (the virtuous) amongst you a great reward.”
(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 33)
ZOROASTRIANISM: “The Deva-worshipers pay little heed to formation of character, but it is impossible to attain Mazda (God) without forming character.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 192)
Zoroastrianism: “The religion that does not purify character hardly deserves to be called religion.” “Oil that extinguishes the lamp, is not oil it is water.” “Religion is mere pretension if no care is taken for the formation of character.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 458 and 658)
Zoroastrianism: Denkard. Zoroaster, “He who is a worshiper of God, acts properly according to law.” “The thought of adoring the one Life-giver (i.e. God) is due to living in accordance with His laws.”
Zoroastrianism: “We sacrifice unto Mercy and Charity.” “With eyes of love, made by Mazda (God) and holy;” “to Mercy and Charity.”
(Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Khorda Avesta – Book of Common Prayer pt. 1)
Zoroastrianism: 4. “I desire with my voice the thoughts well thought, and the words well spoken, and the deeds well done,” 1. “Strive after the good thoughts, words, and deeds.”
(Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 3 and Visperad)
Zoroastrianism: 1. “Strive after the good thoughts, words, and deeds.”
(Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Visperad)
Zoroastrianism: Denkard. Zoroaster, “Be it known that the usage of the good faith is to do good and virtuous deeds.” “Be it known that it is advised in the faith that men should have zeal for good deeds.”
Zoroastrianism: “We sacrifice unto Mercy and Charity.”
(The Zend-Avesta, Khorda Avesta – Book of Common Prayer pt. 1)
Zoroastrianism: 2. “Live uprightly according to the Right.”
(Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 50)
Zoroastrianism: “And we sacrifice to all the truthful and correctly spoken words, even those which have both rewards and Piety within them.
(The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 71)
Zoroastrianism: “He is the greatest Lord, powerful and wise, creator, nourisher, protector, compassionate, virtuous, forgiver, pure, a good dispenser of justice and all powerful.”
(The Zend-Avesta, Khorda Avesta – Book of Common Prayer pt. 1)
Zoroastrianism: “He is patient, like a priest.”
(The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Vendidad)
Zoroastrianism: “Virtue is not a matter of thoughts and words. It must find expression in acts. This is the lesson that Maghavan (Zarathushtra) taught.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 187)
HINDUISM: 144. That (man) who truthfully fills both his ears with the Veda, (the pupil) shall consider as his father and mother; he must never offend him.
(Hindu, Laws of Manu, chapter 2)
Hinduism: 12. “He who desires happiness must strive after a perfectly contented disposition and control himself; for happiness has contentment for its root.” 14. “Let him, untired, perform daily the rites prescribed for him in the Veda; for he who performs those according to his ability, attains to the highest state.”
(Hindu, Laws of Manu)
Hinduism: “Be subdued, Give, Be merciful. Therefore let that triad be taught, Subduing, Giving, and Mercy.”
(Hindu, Upanishads vol. 2, Brihadaranyaka-Upanishad Part 3)
Hinduism: 1. “Learn that sacred law which is followed by men learned (in the Veda) and assented to in their hearts by the virtuous, who are ever exempt from hatred and inordinate affection.” 334. “For virtue is the highest duty.”
(Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 2 and 9)
Hinduism: “But thou, want not! ask not! Find full reward Of doing right in right! Let right deeds be Thy motive, not the fruit which comes from them.”
(Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 2)
Hinduism: 226. “Let him, without tiring, always offer sacrifices and perform works of charity with faith; for offerings and charitable works made with faith and with lawfully-earned money, (procure) endless rewards.”
(Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 4)
Hinduism: “Arise, become great, stand upright, be thou firm.”
(Hindu, Vedas, Yajur Veda – Kanda V)
Hinduism: 3. “Whatever is given should be given with faith, not without faith, with joy, with modesty, with fear, with kindness.”
(Hindu, Upanishads vol. 2, Taittiriyaka-Upanishad)
Hinduism: 1. “Learn that sacred law which is followed by men learned (in the Veda) and assented to in their hearts by the virtuous, who are ever exempt from hatred and inordinate affection.” 334. “For virtue is the highest duty.”
(Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 2 and 9)
Hinduism: 8. Let him be always industrious in privately reciting the Veda; let him be patient of hardships, friendly (towards all), of collected mind, ever liberal and never a receiver of gifts, and compassionate towards all living creatures.
(Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 6)
Hinduism: 32. “Let him act with justice in his own domain,”
(Hindu, Laws of Manu, chapter 7)
BUDDHISM: “Lay members should abstain from all unkindness, stealing, unchastity, lying, duplicity, slander, frivolous talk, covetousness, malice, currying favor, and false teachings. Disciples should strictly observe all the precepts given by the Tathagatas, they should endeavor, by their example, to induce all beings to abandon evil and practice the good.” (Buddha, Diamond Sutra)
Buddhism: “He has cast away ill-will; he dwells with a heart free from ill-will; cherishing love and compassion toward all living beings,”
((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path))
Buddhism: “Thus, by keeping themselves away from all discriminations and false reasonings which are also of the mind itself, by ever seeking to see things truly (yathabhutam), and by planting roots of goodness in Buddha-lands that know no limits made by differentiations.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra)
Buddhism: 1. “The man who has freed himself of stains and has found peace of mind in an upright life, possessing self-restraint and integrity, he is indeed worthy.”
(Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards))
Buddhism: “One should cherish ideals of charity, good behavior, patience, zeal, thoughtfulness and wisdom. Even in the worldly life the practice of these virtues will bring rewards of happiness and success.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra)
Buddhism: “In the practice of all good deeds, disciples should never indulge in indolence.” (Buddha, Diamond Sutra)
Buddhism: “Practice kindness and compassion on all alike with no discrimination what-so-ever.” “Even in one’s speech and especially in one’s teachings one must practice kindness, for, no teaching that is unkind can be the teaching of the Buddha. Unkindness is the executioner of the life of wisdom. (Buddha, Surangama Sutra)
Buddhism: 12. “Arise; do not be thoughtless. Follow the path of virtue. The virtuous rest in bliss in this world and in the next. Follow the path of virtue; do not follow the wrong path. The virtuous rest in bliss in this world and in the next.”
(Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards))
Buddhism: “Whoever has understood the law of justice as taught by the well awakened one, should revere the teacher, as the priest worships the sacrificial fire.”
(Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards))
Buddhism: “Charity can no longer be expressed in the giving of impersonal gifts but will call for the more costly gifts of sympathy and understanding; good behavior will call for something more than outward conformity to the five precepts because in the light of the Paramitas they must practice humility, simplicity, restraint and self-giving. Patience will call for something more than forbearance with external circumstances and the temperaments of other people: it will now call for patience with one’s self. Zeal will call for something more than industry and outward show of earnestness: it will call for more self-control in the task of following the Noble Path and in manifestating the Dharma in one’s own life.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra)
SABEANISM: “Do not slumber and sleep, and forget not what your lord commanded you.” (Sabeanism, Instruction of Adam)
Sabeanism: “Be careful; make enquiry, display kindness, show compassion.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 74)
Sabeanism: “Man who is righteous, shall recite this prayer thereon. And he shall twist it round his head and repeat the prayer secretly.” “We will walk therein with the gait of righteous and believing men,” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 1 and 24)
Sabeanism: “Let healing be theirs by virtue.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 20)
Sabeanism: “Those who love the great Family of Life.” “Praise Thee, for amongst them all hatred, Envy and dissensions exist not.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 75 and 76)
Sabeanism: “Who will guide me past the watch-house of Sãmïs?” “Your reward, your works, your alms, and your goodness will guide you.” (Sabeanism, The Song)
Sabeanism: “For any man who giveth an oblation, His oblation will be his helper: elect and perfect men Who bestow oblations will rise by Kušta’s path. To them it shall be given.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 71)
Sabeanism: “The worlds assembled for judgement, For judgement the worlds assembled And judgement was pronounced on them, On them was judgement pronounced, On those who did not perform the works Of right-dealing Man. But thou alone, Chosen and Pure One, Fair mana, that art burnished bright, Thou goest not to the judgement hall. Judgement will not be pronounced over thee, Over thee judgement will not be pronounced; Because thou didst perform the works Of right-dealing mankind.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 92)
Sabeanism: “The names of righteous and believing people Will be established in the Place of Light. Thy name giveth out light.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 77)
Sabeanism: “To each according to the works of his hands It is awarded.” “Every man who toiled And was long-suffering, (patient) shall come and take with both hands, But he who did not toil nor endure, Standeth empty in the House of Dues.” “He will seek but will not find, And ask, but naught will be given him, Because he had in his hand and gave not,” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 123)
BABI RELIGION: “It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion.”
The Bab: (Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 91)
Babi Religion: “You who are His (God’s) spiritual children must by your deeds exemplify His virtues, and witness to His glory.”
The Bab: (Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 92)
BAHA’I FAITH: “They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts (the laws) laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 331)
Baha’i Faith: “As the body of man needeth a garment to clothe it, so the body of mankind must needs be adorned with the mantle of justice and wisdom.” “We cherish the hope that the light of justice may shine upon the world and sanctify it from tyranny.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, pp. 81 and 218)
Baha’i Faith: “Strive to attain nearness to reality through the acquisition of strength of character, through morality, through good works and helping the poor, through being consumed with the fire of the love of God and in discovering each day new spiritual mysteries.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 99)
Baha’i Faith: “Conform to the rules of good conduct and their character be second to none; that they make their own all the graces and praiseworthy qualities of humankind;”
(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 142)
Baha’i Faith: “Whilst afflicted with trials, He held fast unto the cord of patience and fortitude, and was satisfied with the things which have befallen Him at the hands of His enemies, and was crying out: ‘I have renounced My desire for Thy desire, O my God, and My will for the revelation of Thy Will. By Thy glory! I desire neither Myself nor My life except for the purpose of serving Thy Cause, and I love not My being save that I may sacrifice it in Thy path.”’
(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 36)
Baha’i Faith: “His object is to array every man with the mantle of a saintly character, and to adorn him with the ornament of holy and goodly deeds,”
(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 299)
Baha’i Faith: “He is the Exalted, the Most High! O thou who treadest the path of justice and beholdest the countenance of mercy!
(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, p. 2)
Baha’i Faith: “Guidance hath ever been given by words, and now it is given by deeds. Every one must show forth deeds that are pure and holy, for words are the property of all alike, whereas such deeds as these belong only to Our loved ones. Strive then with heart and soul to distinguish yourselves by your deeds. In this wise We counsel you in this holy and resplendent tablet.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, The Persian Hidden Words)
Baha’i Faith: “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 15)
Baha’i Faith: “Enkindle with all your might in every meeting the light of the love of God, gladden and cheer every heart with the utmost loving-kindness, show forth your love to the strangers just as you show forth to your relations.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 353)
Baha’i Faith: “O people of the world, ye are all the fruit of one tree and the leaves of one branch. Walk with perfect charity, concord, affection, and agreement.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, A Traveller’s Narrative, p. 42)
Baha’i Faith: “If anyone revile you, or trouble touch you, in the path of God, be patient, and put your trust in Him Who heareth, Who seeth. He, in truth, witnesseth, and perceiveth, and doeth what He pleaseth, through the power of His sovereignty.”
(Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 24)
Baha’i Faith: “In the estimation of the people of Baha man’s glory lieth in his knowledge, his upright conduct, his praiseworthy character, his wisdom.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 67)
Baha’i Faith: “Our greatest efforts must be directed towards detachment from the things of the world; we must strive to become more spiritual, more luminous, to follow the counsel of the Divine Teaching, to serve the cause of unity and true equality, to be merciful, to reflect the love of the Highest on all men, so that the light of the Spirit shall be apparent in all our deeds, to the end that all humanity shall be united, the stormy sea thereof calmed, and all rough waves disappear from off the surface of life’s ocean henceforth unruffled and peaceful. Then will the New Jerusalem be seen by mankind, who will enter through its gates and receive the Divine Bounty.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 87)
Baha’i Faith: “Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer to the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Be a home for the stranger, a balm to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance of truth, a crown to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility. We pray God to protect thee from the heat of jealousy and the cold of hatred. He verily is nigh, ready to answer.’ Thus hath My tongue spoken unto one of My Branches (sons), and We have mentioned it unto such of Our loved ones as have cast away their idle fancies, and clung unto that which hath been prescribed unto them in the day whereon the Daystar of Certitude hath shone forth above the horizon of the will of God, the Lord of the worlds. This is the day on which the Bird of Utterance hath warbled its melody upon the branches, in the name of its Lord, the God of Mercy. Blessed is the man that hath, on the wings of longing, soared towards God, the Lord of the Judgment Day.”
(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 93)