Jalál, 02 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 180 B.E
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
Love for God is best exemplified not through words, but through deeds. “Let deeds,” Bahá’u’lláh says, “not words, be your adorning.” 1 By obeying His laws we demonstrate our love for Him. He has also written: “My love is My stronghold; he that entereth therein is safe and secure, and he that turneth away shall surely stray and perish.” 2 — Universal House of Justice 3
Question for Consideration:
Love is not merely expressed in words. What else is needed? 4
Google Gemini Response:
The passage from the Universal House of Justice emphasizes that love for God, in the Bahá’í Faith, is best demonstrated through actions that reflect obedience to His laws. Here’s what’s needed beyond words:
Actions that reflect God’s laws
- Living a moral and ethical life: This includes adhering to principles like honesty, kindness, justice, compassion, and service to others.
- Serving humanity and promoting unity: Working towards the betterment of society, fostering peace, and contributing to the well-being of all people are expressions of love for God’s creation.
- Spiritual development: Striving for personal growth, developing one’s character, and deepening one’s connection to the divine are ways to demonstrate love through self-improvement.
Additional ways to express love for God
- Devotional practices: Prayer, meditation, and studying sacred texts are ways to cultivate a closer relationship with God through spiritual practices.
- Gratitude and devotion: Expressing thankfulness for God’s blessings and demonstrating unwavering loyalty and commitment to His teachings are essential to love.
Key takeaways:
- Love for God is not a passive emotion but an active force that motivates us to live a good and meaningful life.
- Words alone are insufficient; our actions must embody the values and principles we claim to hold dear.
- True love involves sacrifice, commitment, and continuous efforts to improve ourselves and contribute to the betterment of the world.
It’s important to note that interpretations of the Bahá’í Faith may vary. However, the core principle highlighted here is that love translates into action. Our choices, behaviors, and dedication to serving others reflect the depth of our connection with the divine.
Microsoft Copilot Response:
Indeed, love transcends mere words. It is a force that permeates our actions, shaping our character and influencing our interactions with others. While verbal expressions of love are essential, they find their true meaning when accompanied by tangible deeds. Here are some ways we can demonstrate love beyond words:
- Kindness and Compassion: Kindness, empathy, and compassion toward others reflect genuine love. Whether helping a neighbor, comforting a friend, or showing understanding to a stranger, these actions embody love.
- Selflessness: Love involves putting others’ needs before our own. Selfless acts, such as sacrificing time, resources, or personal desires for someone else’s well-being, exemplify love in action.
- Forgiveness: Love allows us to forgive and let go of grudges. When we choose forgiveness over resentment, we express love’s transformative power.
- Service: Serving others selflessly is a powerful expression of love. Whether volunteering, assisting a family member, or contributing to a community project, acts of service demonstrate our love for humanity.
- Generosity: Sharing what we have—whether material possessions, knowledge, or emotional support—reveals love. Generosity creates bonds and fosters a sense of interconnectedness.
- Patience: Love is patient. It endures challenges, misunderstandings, and setbacks without losing its essence. Patience in relationships and daily interactions reflects true love.
- Gratitude: Expressing gratitude is an act of love. When we appreciate the people and blessings in our lives, we acknowledge the love that surrounds us.
- Respect: Treating others with respect and dignity is a fundamental expression of love. It recognizes the inherent worth of every individual.
- Listening: Attentive listening shows love and validates others’ feelings. It communicates that their thoughts and emotions matter.
- Acts of Devotion: Whether in prayer, meditation, or rituals, acts of devotion to a higher power demonstrate love and reverence.
Remember, love is not static; it flows through our actions, shaping our character and leaving an indelible mark on the world. Let our deeds be the true testament of our love. 🌟❤️.
- “O SON OF DUST! Verily I say unto thee: Of all men the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh to advance himself over his brother. Say: O brethren! Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.”
Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 01, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/3#646280975. ↩ - “O SON OF BEING! My love is My stronghold; he that entereth therein is safe and secure, and he that turneth away shall surely stray and perish.”
Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 01, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#204970481. ↩ - Universal House of Justice. “30 March 1997 – To All National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa.” Bahá’í Reference Library, March 30, 1997. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19970330_001/1#189782343. ↩
- 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, 55. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 