Fidál, 07 Bahá (Splendor), 181 B.E
Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1
Quotes for Reflection:
It is incumbent upon thee to summon the people, under all conditions, to whatever will cause them to show forth spiritual characteristics and goodly deeds, so that all may become aware of that which is the cause of human upliftment, and may, with the utmost endeavor, direct themselves towards the most sublime Station and the Pinnacle of Glory. The fear of God hath ever been the prime factor in the education of His creatures. Well is it with them that have attained thereunto! — Bahá’u’lláh 1
In this Revelation the hosts that can render it victorious are the hosts of praiseworthy deeds and upright character. The leader and commander of these hosts hath ever been the fear of God, a fear that encompasseth all things and reigneth over all things. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
Other attributes of perfection are to fear God, to love God by loving His servants, to exercise mildness and forbearance and calm, to be sincere, amenable, clement and compassionate; to have resolution and courage, trustworthiness and energy, to strive and struggle, to be generous, loyal, without malice, to have zeal and a sense of honor, to be high-minded and magnanimous, and to have regard for the rights of others.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 3
Question for Consideration:
What is the relationship between the love of God and the fear of God and how the dynamic interaction of the two is vital to the development of praiseworthy character? 4
Google Gemini Response:
The Bahá’í teachings present the love and fear of God as complementary forces that work together to cultivate a praiseworthy character. Here’s a breakdown of their relationship and how they contribute to moral development:
Love of God
- Motivation for Good Deeds: Love for God is the driving force that motivates individuals to do good deeds and strive to please God. It fosters a sense of connection and a desire to live a life that aligns with God’s will. (This is highlighted in the quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá listing various attributes of perfection.)
- Source of Happiness and Gratitude: Love for God brings joy and a sense of fulfillment. Appreciating God’s creation and blessings motivates individuals to contribute positively to the world.
- Foundation for Service: Love for God leads to a desire to serve others, as all humanity is considered part of God’s creation. (This is indirectly implied in the quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mentioning “loving God by loving His servants.”)
Fear of God
- Respect and Reverence: The fear of God doesn’t refer to terror but rather to a healthy respect and reverence for God’s power and wisdom. This awareness encourages individuals to be mindful of their actions and avoid anything that might displease God. (This is highlighted in quotes from Bahá’u’lláh mentioning “fear of God” as a prime factor in education.)
- Guiding Principle for Moral Choices: The fear of God serves as a guiding principle when faced with difficult choices. It reminds individuals to consider the potential consequences of their actions and choose the path that aligns with God’s teachings. (This is implied in Bahá’u’lláh’s quote mentioning “fear of God” as the leader of the “hosts of praiseworthy deeds.”)
- Prevents Transgression: The fear of God can deter wrongdoing. Knowing one is accountable to God encourages individuals to uphold moral principles and avoid harming others.
Dynamic Interaction
- Balanced Approach: The ideal state is a balance between the love and fear of God. Love provides the motivation for good deeds, while fear guides individuals toward making wise choices and avoiding transgression.
- Spiritual Growth: The dynamic interplay between these two forces fosters spiritual growth and helps individuals develop a steady moral compass.
Overall, the love of God provides the fuel and direction, while the fear of God acts as a guiding force and a safeguard. Together, they create a foundation for developing a praiseworthy character, one that is motivated by love for God, guided by a sense of accountability, and committed to living a moral and ethical life.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Individual interpretations of “fear of God” may vary depending on their spiritual development.
- The Bahá’í teachings emphasize the importance of reason and independent investigation, along with the love and fear of God, in guiding one’s actions.
- The ultimate goal is to develop a mature faith that is grounded in love and motivates individuals to contribute positively to the world.
By understanding this interplay, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with God and strive to become better human beings.
ChatGPT 3.5 Response:
The relationship between the love of God and the fear of God is pivotal in the development of praiseworthy character:
- Love of God: The love of God is the foundation upon which the relationship between the individual and the divine is built. It is characterized by devotion, trust, and a desire for closeness with the Creator. When individuals love God, they are motivated to emulate His qualities and manifest spiritual characteristics such as kindness, compassion, and generosity. Love of God inspires acts of service and selflessness towards others, reflecting the divine love that encompasses all beings.
- Fear of God: Fear of God is not fear in the sense of being scared or intimidated but rather a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God’s greatness, majesty, and authority. It involves a recognition of His power, wisdom, and justice. When individuals fear God, they are mindful of His commandments and seek to align their actions with His will. This fear serves as a guiding principle for ethical behavior and moral integrity.
The dynamic interaction between the love of God and the fear of God is vital to the development of praiseworthy character because:
- Balance: Love and fear of God work in harmony to create a balanced spiritual life. While love draws individuals closer to God with affection and devotion, fear reminds them of His greatness and the consequences of disobedience. This balance fosters humility, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility towards God and His creation.
- Motivation: Love of God motivates individuals to perform acts of kindness, compassion, and service out of a genuine desire to please God and express their devotion. Fear of God is a motivating factor for avoiding wrongdoing and striving for moral excellence, knowing that one is accountable for one’s actions before a just and merciful Creator.
- Character Development: The combined influence of love and fear of God shapes praiseworthy character traits such as sincerity, forbearance, compassion, trustworthiness, and courage, as highlighted in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. These qualities are cultivated through a deep spiritual connection with God, guided by love and fear.
Overall, the love of God and the fear of God complement each other in the spiritual journey, leading to the development of a noble character characterized by virtue, service, and devotion to God and humanity.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Rev. ed. 1953. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1976, 27. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/epistle-son-wolf/2#900726044. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾuʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 126. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/4#708884058. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1970, 40. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/2#108130686. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1. 2.2.1.PE September 2021. Vol. Book 3. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, 14-15. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 