Love, Kindness and Courtesy

This is Part 29 in the One With All the Earth series:

Every great Faith teaches that love builds the foundation of all spiritual development.  Abdu’l-Baha explained the meaning of love:

Love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul.  Love is the cause of God’s revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things.  Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next.  Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul.  Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms.  Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe.  Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation. – Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 27.

Of course, the virtue of courtesy expresses one of the first signs of love for humanity. Baha’u’llah calls courtesy “the lord of all virtues.”  He also states:

We, verily, have chosen courtesy, and made it the true mark of such as are nigh unto Him. Courtesy is, in truth, a raiment which fitteth all men, whether young or old. – The Proclamation of Baha’u’llah, p. 20.

Abdu’l-Baha says:

So far as ye are able, ignite a candle of love in every meeting, and with tenderness rejoice and cheer ye every heart.  Care for the stranger as for one of your own; show to alien souls the same loving kindness ye bestow upon your faithful friends. – Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 34.

And again, he says:

Beware! Beware! Lest ye offend any heart!

Beware! Beware! Lest ye hurt any soul!

Beware! Beware! Lest ye deal unkindly toward any person!

Beware! Beware!  Lest ye be the cause of hopelessness to any creature!

Baha’is try their best to manifest these powerful and beautiful human virtues – love, courtesy and kindness – toward all of humanity.  In many ways, these virtues characterize the primary message of all faith, calling people to drop the barriers that separate them from others and connect human hearts with love:

You must manifest complete love and affection toward all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others, but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God. Know that God is compassionate toward all; therefore, love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race, and be kind toward the people of all nationalities. Never speak disparagingly of others, but praise without distinction. Pollute not your tongues by speaking evil of another. Recognize your enemies as friends, and consider those who wish you evil as the wishers of good. You must not see evil as evil and then compromise with your opinion, for to treat in a smooth, kindly way one whom you consider evil or an enemy is hypocrisy, and this is not worthy or allowable. You must consider your enemies as your friends, look upon your evil-wishers as your well-wishers and treat them accordingly. Act in such a way that your heart may be free from hatred. Let not your heart be offended with anyone. If some one commits an error and wrong toward you, you must instantly forgive him. Do not complain of others. Refrain from reprimanding them, and if you wish to give admonition or advice, let it be offered in such a way that it will not burden the bearer. Turn all your thoughts toward bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! lest ye offend any heart. Assist the world of humanity as much as possible. Be the source of consolation to every sad one, assist every weak one, be helpful to every indigent one, care for every sick one, be the cause of glorification to every lowly one, and shelter those who are overshadowed by fear. – Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 453.

The purpose of the Baha’i Faith, which Baha’u’llah summarizes in this short passage, ties those core human virtues to something unexpected – the progress of civilization:

All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.  The Almighty beareth Me witness:  To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man.  Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth. – Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 215.

Read the previous article in the series: Achieving Family Unity

Adapted from One With All The Earth, © Kalimat Press 2003, All Rights Reserved.