A Formula For Goodness
One of our sages used to instruct his students: "First learn what is bad in order to avoid it, and then learn what is good and do it." Why is it necessary "to first learn what is bad"? Every form of good is vulnerable to a negative force that can destroy it. For instance, imagine a person contemplates on patience, without considering how to regulate his own feelings of impatience. When put to the test his emotions will likely uproot all the work he put into attaining patience. Whereas, if he first masters his negative emotions, then he will be able to act with pure and consistent patience.
Lesson: A person who knows the various negative traits that undermine good conduct will know how to avoid them.
Visualization: Envision Avraham Avinu, the master of loving kindness. See how he first purified himself from the negative traits, such as impatience, and selfishness, so they would not impair his kindness and good deeds. Imagine Avraham flowing with kindness, goodness, and love for all of HaShem's creations. (Based on Chovos HaLavavos, Sha'ar Yichud HaMa'aseh)
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