Discourses of Rumi

42 V DISCOURSES OF RUMIthings?” When this happens, it is a sure proof thatGod loves them and cares for them. “Love continuesso long as reprimands continue,” said thepoet. We may reprimand our friends, but wenever reprimand a stranger.Now there are levels of reprimand. When aperson is stung by it and sees the truth in it, thatis a sign that God loves them and cares for them.But if the reprimand flies by that person withoutcausing any pain at all, then this is no sign of love.When a carpet is beaten to get rid of the dust,intelligent people do not call that a reprimand.But if a woman beats her own darling child, thenthat is called a reprimand and is a proof of herlove. Therefore, as long as you find pain andregret within yourself, that is a proof of God’slove and guidance.If you find fault in your brother or sister, thefault you see in them is within yourself. The trueSufi is like a mirror where you see your ownimage, for “The believer is a mirror of their fellowbelievers.” Get rid of those faults in yourself,because what bothers you in them bothers you inyourself.