Jamál, 12 Masáʼil (Questions), 181 B.E.
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Quotes for Reflection
O SON OF BEING! Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
O friends! Help ye the one true God, exalted be His glory, by your goodly deeds, by such conduct and character as shall be acceptable in His sight. He that seeketh to be a helper of God in this Day, let him close his eyes to whatever he may possess, and open them to the things of God. Let him cease to occupy himself with that which profiteth him, and concern himself with that which shall exalt the all-compelling name of the Almighty. He should cleanse his heart from all evil passions and corrupt desires, for the fear of God is the weapon that can render him victorious, the primary instrument whereby he can achieve his purpose. The fear of God is the shield that defendeth His Cause, the buckler that enableth His people to attain to victory. It is a standard that no man can abase, a force that no power can rival. By its aid, and by the leave of Him Who is the Lord of Hosts, they that have drawn nigh unto God have been able to subdue and conquer the citadels of the hearts of men. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
That Assembly resteth in the sheltering shade of the Lord of all bounties, and it is my hope that, as beseemeth that body, it will be favored and invigorated by the breathings of the Holy Spirit, and that day by day ye will love God in ever greater measure, and become more tightly bound to the Beauty that abideth forever, to Him Who is the Light of the world. For love of God and spiritual attraction do cleanse and purify the human heart and dress and adorn it with the spotless garment of holiness; and once the heart is entirely attached to the Lord, and bound over to the Blessed Perfection, then will the grace of God be revealed. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 3
This love is not of the body but completely of the soul. And those souls whose inner being is lit by the love of God are even as spreading rays of light, and they shine out like stars of holiness in a pure and crystalline sky. For true love, real love, is the love for God, and this is sanctified beyond the notions and imaginings of men. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 4
The seeker, when immersed in the ocean of the love of God, will be moved by intense longing and will arise to carry out the laws of God. Thus, it is impossible for a heart to contain the fragrance of God’s love and yet fail to worship the True One, except under conditions when such an action would agitate the enemies and stir up dissension and mischief. Otherwise, a lover of the Abhá Beauty will no doubt continually demonstrate perseverance in the worship of the Lord. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 5
Question for Consideration
How do those whose “inner being is lit by the love of God,” who “shine out like stars of holiness in a pure and crystalline sky,” affect the people around them? 6
Perplexity Pro Response 7
The transformative power of divine love illuminates individuals from within, enabling them to profoundly impact those around them through inspiration, compassion, and unity-building actions. This radiant presence guides others towards spiritual growth and promotes healing through emotional support, offers comfort to the distressed; instills hope and encouragement to the discouraged; and creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity that soothes troubled hearts. Those embodying divine love elevate consciousness in communities, encourage others to look beyond material concerns, inspire a focus on spiritual and ethical values, and promote a more holistic and compassionate worldview [3].
Inspiration through Divine Love
Individuals whose inner beings radiate with divine love become powerful sources of inspiration, serving as living examples of spiritual transformation. Their presence often ignites a desire for personal growth and a deeper connection with the divine in those around them. [9] These luminous souls naturally assume roles as mentors and guides, offering wisdom and encouragement to seekers on the spiritual path. By embodying the qualities of purity, kindness, and radiance, they demonstrate the practical application of spiritual teachings in daily life, inspiring others to cultivate similar attributes. [2] [4] Their unwavering devotion and selfless actions serve as a testament to the transformative power of divine love, motivating others to embark on their own journeys of spiritual discovery and service to humanity.
Compassion and Acts of Service
Those illuminated by divine love manifest extraordinary compassion, engaging in selfless acts of service that profoundly impact their communities. These individuals are often found at the forefront of charitable efforts, offering support to the poor, comforting the sorrowful, and defending victims of oppression. Their actions, rooted in the “love for God and spiritual attraction,” serve to “cleanse and purify the human heart,” inspiring others to cultivate similar qualities of kindness and selflessness [8]. By embodying the principle that “true love, real love, is the love for God,” these radiant souls demonstrate how spiritual devotion naturally translates into practical, compassionate action that uplifts and transforms society [5].
Fostering Unity and Harmony
Those illuminated by divine love become powerful agents of unity, bridging divides and fostering harmony in their communities. They treat all people with equality and respect, transcending social, cultural, and religious boundaries. Their presence often diffuses conflicts and promotes a sense of oneness, as they embody the unifying power of God’s love.
- Create inclusive environments that welcome diverse perspectives
- Mediate disputes with wisdom and compassion
- Organize community events that bring people together
- Advocate for social justice and equality
By consistently demonstrating love and acceptance, these individuals inspire others to overcome prejudices and embrace a more unified worldview, ultimately contributing to more cohesive and harmonious societies [7] [4].
Sparking Spiritual Awakening
The radiant presence of those illuminated by divine love often catalyzes profound spiritual awakenings in others. Their words and actions serve as powerful stimuli, encouraging individuals to embark on introspective journeys and explore the depths of their own faith. This transformative influence extends beyond mere inspiration, as it kindles a genuine desire for personal growth and spiritual evolution in those they encounter [6].
- Provoke deep reflection on one’s spiritual path and purpose
- Inspire a renewed interest in sacred texts and teachings
- Encourage the adoption of spiritual practices like prayer and meditation
- Foster an environment conducive to open discussions about faith and spirituality
By embodying the qualities of “a pure, kindly and radiant heart,” these individuals become living examples of spiritual transformation, motivating others to seek a more profound connection with the divine and cultivate their own inner light [1].
In essence, those whose inner being is lit by the love of God become living embodiments of that love. They shine like stars in a pure sky, illuminating the path for others and transforming their surroundings through their radiant presence and loving actions. Their impact extends far beyond their immediate circle, often influencing entire communities and inspiring positive change on a broader scale [5] [3].
Citations
[1] The Hidden Words – Bahá’í Reference Library
[2] The Hidden Words – Bahá’í Reference Library
[3] Where Does the River of Divine Love Lead Us? – Bullet Point Christian
[4] The Power of Love – The Transformed Soul
[5] Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá – Bahá’í Reference Library
[6] 22 July 2020 – To the Bahá’ís of the United States – Bahá’í Reference Library
[7] Paris Talks – Bahá’í Reference Library
[8] Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá – Bahá’í Reference Library
[9] Riḍván 153 – To the Followers of Bahá’u’lláh in Europe – Bahá’í Reference Library
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How do people who embody divine love inspire others to be better versions of themselves?
- What impact do individuals with a radiant heart have on their communities?
- How does the presence of holy individuals influence the spiritual growth of those around them?
- In what ways do people who shine with holiness contribute to the greater good?
- How do those who are guided by divine love affect the social fabric of their environment?
- How can we cultivate a pure and radiant heart?
- What are the benefits of being immersed in the ocean of God’s love?
- How does the love of God purify and adorn the human heart?
- What is the significance of the fear of God in achieving spiritual goals?
- How can we demonstrate perseverance in the worship of the Lord?
- Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 20, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#590841570. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#963942411. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 202-203. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/7#730580910. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 203. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/7#323564957. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Light of the World: Selected Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Center, 2021. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/light-of-the-world/3#441621349. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Walking Together on a Path of Service. 2.1.1.PE February 2024. Vol. Book 7. 14 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2024, 8-11. Download PDF. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “How do those whose “inner being is lit by the love of God,” who “shine out like stars of holiness in a pure and crystalline sky,” affect the people around them?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. December 20, 2024. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 