Jamál, 05 Mulk (Dominion), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
This is the day when pure hearts have a portion of the everlasting bounties and sanctified souls are being illumined by the eternal manifestations. Praise be to God! You are believers in God, assured by the words of God and turning to the Kingdom of God. You have heard the divine call. Your hearts are moved by the breezes of the paradise of Abhá. You have good intentions; your purpose is the good pleasure of God; you desire to serve in the Kingdom of the Merciful One. Therefore, arise in the utmost power. Be in perfect unity. Never become angry with one another. Let your eyes be directed toward the kingdom of truth and not toward the world of creation. Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God. Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. Therefore, do not look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfections. The eye that covers faults looks toward the Creator of souls. He created them, trains and provides for them, endows them with capacity and life, sight and hearing; therefore, they are the signs of His grandeur. You must love and be kind to everybody, care for the poor, protect the weak, heal the sick, teach and educate the ignorant. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
How should we love everyone in the community? 2
Google Gemini Response:
In this beautiful passage, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá outlines practical steps for achieving love and unity within a community, even when faced with imperfections and differences. Here are some key takeaways on how to “love everyone in the community”:
- Focus on God’s Kingdom: Shift your perspective from the limitations of people towards the ideals of God’s Kingdom, emphasizing truth, kindness, and service.
- See Perfection in the Divine: Recognize that God created all beings with inherent worth and potential, reminding yourself to forgive flaws and see the divine spark within them.
- Practice Active Love: Go beyond mere feelings and engage in active acts of love, like caring for the poor, protecting the weak, healing the sick, and educating the ignorant.
- Cultivate Unity: Strive for unity above all else, avoiding anger and discord. Remember, differences should not overshadow the shared purpose of serving God and humanity.
- Practice Forgiveness: Instead of judging imperfections, forgive and overlook shortcomings, fostering a compassionate and understanding environment.
- Love for God’s Sake: True love transcends personal attachments and desires. Love others for the sake of God, recognizing their connection to the divine, leading to unconditional love and acceptance.
Remember: This is a gradual process of self-reflection and continuous effort. Start by incorporating these principles into your daily interactions, showing kindness and understanding even when faced with challenges.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Diversity within the Community: Recognize that communities are diverse, and its members have different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This diversity can be a source of strength and learning if everyone feels respected and appreciated.
- Open Communication: Maintain open and honest communication, addressing any conflicts or misunderstandings respectfully and constructively.
- Celebrating Strengths: Celebrate the strengths and contributions of each individual, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation.
- Humility and Service: Approach interactions with humility and a genuine desire to serve others, putting community needs above personal agendas.
Ultimately, loving everyone in your community is a journey of growth and transformation. By practicing these principles and remembering the underlying ideal of God’s love, you can build a more harmonious and united community.
Microsoft Copilot Response:
The words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá beautifully guide us on how to love and serve everyone in our community. Let us reflect on these profound teachings:
- Pure Intentions: Begin with good intentions. Your purpose should be the good pleasure of God and your desire to serve in the Kingdom of the Merciful One.
- Unity and Patience: Be in perfect unity. Never become angry with one another. Unity is essential for a harmonious community.
- Divine Perspective: Direct your eyes toward the kingdom of truth, not the world of creation. Love the creatures for the sake of God, not for themselves. When you love them for the sake of God, you will never become impatient or angry.
- Seeing Beyond Imperfections: Recognize that humanity is not perfect. Imperfections exist in every human being. Instead of focusing on people’s shortcomings, see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfections, but the eye that covers faults looks toward the Creator of souls.
- Kindness and Compassion: Love and be kind to everybody. Care for the poor, protect the weak, heal the sick, and educate the ignorant. These acts of kindness reflect the signs of God’s grandeur.
In summary, love unconditionally, serve selflessly, and view others compassionately. By doing so, we contribute to a more loving and harmonious community. 🌟❤️
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 92-93. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/4#424700415. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 49-50. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 