"Is it only a dream that there'll be no more turning away?"
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Ideas for a VisionNow is the time to cheer and
refresh the down-cast through the invigorating breeze of love and
fellowship, and the living waters of friendliness and charity. The Great Being saith:
Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Deal ye one with another
with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship . .
. This goal excelleth every other goal, and this aspiration is the
monarch of all aspirations. We shall always be with you;
if We inhale the perfume of your fellowship, Our heart will assuredly
rejoice, for naught else can satisfy Us. . . . the affections and
loving kindness of the servants of the One True God must be bountifully
and universally extended to all mankind. Regarding this, restrictions
and limitations are in no wise permitted. The shining spark of truth
cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions. Thus when that unifying
force, the penetrating influence of the Word of God, taketh effect, the
difference of customs, manners, habits, ideas, opinions and
dispositions embellisheth the world of humanity. To the orphans be ye kind
fathers, and to the unfortunate a refuge and shelter. To the poor be a
treasure of wealth, and to the sick a remedy and healing. Be a helper of
every oppressed one, the protector of every destitute one, be ye ever
mindful to serve any soul of mankind. Attach no importance to
self-seeking, rejection, arrogance, oppression and enmity. Heed them
not. Deal in the contrary way. Be kind in truth, not only in appearance
and outwardly. Every soul of the friends of God must concentrate his
mind on this, that he may manifest the mercy of God and the bounty of
the Forgiving One. He must do good to every soul whom he encounters, and
render benefit to him, becoming the cause of improving the morals and
correcting the thoughts so that the light of guidance may shine forth
and the bounty of His Holiness the Merciful One may encompass. Love is
light in whatsoever house it may shine and enmity is darkness in
whatsoever abode it dwell. May the assembled believers
now but a tiny nucleus of the Bahá'í Commonwealth of the
future so exemplify that spirit of universal love and fellowship as to
evoke in the minds of their associates the vision of that future City
of God which the almighty arm of Bahá'u'lláh can alone
establish. Let us also bear in mind
that the keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority but
humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and
loving consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a true
Bahá'í can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and
justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the
individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence
on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and courage on the other. The Administrative Order now
embraces a community of wider diversity than ever before. The real secret of universal
participation lies in the Master's oft expressed wish that the friends
should love each other, constantly encourage each other, work together,
be as one soul in one body, and in so doing become a true, organic,
healthy body animated and illumined by the spirit. First, it is necessary for
all to realize that the primary means by which victories are won is the
degree to which individual initiative is exercised. Strive to create an
atmosphere of wholehearted acceptance of all members to unify the
diversity of the community. Increase awareness of issues
facing the larger community and champion racial unity, gender equality,
and social justice. |
This is an individual initiative, not sponsored by any Baha'i institution or agency.
Created October 2003 by Jim Habegger.
Last updated August 2004.