Embrace a compassionate approach, be considerate at all times
In the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and other influential Bahá'í figures, kindness is more than just a social courtesy – it is a vital spiritual principle that fosters unity, peace, and personal growth.
Kindness, as a practical expression of love and compassion, nurtures harmony among people, helping to overcome racial, religious, and national prejudices by encouraging mutual respect and tender regard for all humanity. This, in turn, contributes to the eradication of prejudice and division, reflecting the oneness of humanity.
Acts of kindness cultivate noble qualities such as honesty, trustworthiness, and compassion, leading individuals to true prosperity by integrating material well-being with spiritual virtues. Kindness in conduct promotes cooperation, consultation, and selfless service, which are essential for building strong, supportive communities that work together for the common good.
Kindness affects both the giver and the receiver, leaving a lasting impression on both. It delays the aging process, improves relationships and connections, and even contributes to increased happiness and a healthy heart. Kindness serves as a symbol of respect, expanding the scope of one's life and awakening goodness and gifts in one's soul.
Abdu'l-Bahá encouraged being a center of unity in cities and helping victims of oppression. He suggested sweetening the souls of those who poison one's life. In times of adversity, such as during World War II, even small acts of kindness could make a significant difference, as evidenced by the secret care provided to the Frank family by employees of Otto Frank's office while they were hiding from the Gestapo.
The importance of love, kindness, and service to humanity is emphasised by religious leaders such as Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá. They encourage treating everyone with moderation, respect, and loving-kindness, regardless of differing beliefs. As Desmond Tutu once said, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."
In the words of Anne Frank, "Despite everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." Kindness, it seems, has the power to save lives and change the world. So, let us strive to live with love and kindness, for it is through these actions that we can contribute to the advancement of unity and peace, the spiritual development of individuals, and the strengthening of social bonds, ultimately leading to our own personal transformation and the creation of a just and unified global society.
[1] Bahá'í International Community. (n.d.). The oneness of humanity. Retrieved from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/oneness-of-humanity/
[2] Bahá'í International Community. (n.d.). The importance of kindness. Retrieved from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/importance-of-kindness/
[3] Bahá'í International Community. (n.d.). Unity in diversity. Retrieved from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/unity-in-diversity/
[4] Bahá'í International Community. (n.d.). The role of service. Retrieved from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/role-of-service/
[5] Bahá'í International Community. (n.d.). The transformative power of kindness. Retrieved from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/transformative-power-of-kindness/
Kindness, fostering unity and peace, is instrumental in cultivating personal growth by nurturing noble qualities such as honesty, trustworthiness, and compassion, leading to strength in relationships and promoting education-and-self-development. As Abdu'l-Bahá suggests, acts of kindness have the potential to uplift humanity towards personal-growth and a just, unified global society.
