(Minghui.org) When we hear about fellow practitioners being persecuted, our first instinct is often to wonder: “Who is this person? Do I know them? What is their problem?” After passing judgment, we move on.

Some, harboring preconceived notions about the individual, even treat sending forth righteous thoughts as a mere formality. We focus our attention on the persecuted practitioner while neglecting our own responsibility: To uphold the Fa.

As Dafa disciples, our greatest mission is to uphold the Fa and save sentient beings. The evil forces persecute fellow practitioners solely because they practice Falun Dafa. This is persecuting Dafa! As Dafa disciples, this is persecuting each and every one of us equally!

I understand that, in the past, the divine upheld this heavenly principle. As Master stated:

“Throughout human history, animals have been forbidden to possess people. When they did, they were killed; whoever saw it would not allow it.” (Lecture Three, Zhuan Falun)

It was not a matter of observing which body it possessed before deciding whether to kill it. This was divine duty, with a clear objective that could not be altered. Therefore, evil persecution was even less permissible.

Master said:

“Humans aren’t worthy of testing this Fa, and neither are gods. Whoever touches it commits a sin.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the Great Lakes Fa Conference in North America,” Guiding the Voyage)

Since condemnation has already been pronounced, shouldn’t our first thought as Dafa disciples be to uphold the Fa to eliminate the evil? And shouldn’t this single thought remain unshakable?

When we place great emphasis on fellow practitioners’ attachments or harbor dissatisfaction and complaints about their notions and attachments, we adopt the same mindset as the old forces. We are understanding, acknowledging, and agreeing with the old forces, unwittingly aligning ourselves with the evil. (Of course, this excludes calmly pointing out shortcomings in persecuted practitioners when we discuss and share experiences for cultivation advancement.)

When we are pointing out fellow practitioners’ shortcomings, we might be making a huge mistake ourselves: failing to uphold the Fa! Because evil elements are gathering in this situation, this is precisely the opportunity to eliminate them. And that is what we should do, that it is our responsibility!

Of course, another improper manifestation is being driven by emotion to send forth righteous thoughts for fellow practitioners. This, too, falls short of the xinxing requirements for Dafa disciples, as it similarly fails to place upholding the Fa as the foremost priority.

Master said:

“I’m saying that I don’t acknowledge the old forces’ interfering with Dafa disciples, because the Dafa disciples are my disciples, and nobody else is worthy of handling them. And even less could we let them succeed in their plot to use Dafa disciples and impose things on the Dafa disciples to achieve their goals, ruining my disciples.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the Meeting with Asia-Pacific Practitioners,” Collected Teachings Given Around the World Volume VI)

Whether we cultivate well or poorly, that’s entirely up to Master to handle; it has nothing to do with the old forces. When we eliminate evil and rescue fellow practitioners, aren’t we upholding the Fa? Placing upholding the Fa as our top priority unleashes an immensely powerful force.

Master reminded us:

“... what is first and foremost is his own spiritual development as well as upholding Dafa at all times and in all places.” (Critical Times Reveal One’s Spiritual State)

We must correct our own impure thoughts, change our improper actions, and focus on how we can do things according to the Fa and what our responsibilities are in every matter. Only then can we uphold Dafa!