Midot Hayom: Day 5: Hod in Chesed

How does one avoid a grudging eye? Just as a man is happy when things go well for him, so should he be happy when things go well for his neighbor. And just as a man hates if his wife and children are maligned, so should he hate it if his neighbor’s wife and children are maligned. (Avot of Rabbi Nathan; Chapter 16)

A person must recognize that all human beings are expressions of the same life force that gave and continues to give us existence. This awareness will help the person appreciate the universal dignity of all people, rejoice for all who do well, and hurt whenever someone suffers.