“One must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise. When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race.”
This is the passage from the Baha’i Holy Writings, especially for this advanced maturity of mankind, best taught and understood through children’s classes, especially when reinforced with examples portrayed in the weekly classes in this community. The group of children ranged in age from 6-11 years and represented three continents and five different ethnic groups. Although in this country for only a few years (and some only a few months), the African and Iranian children quickly learned to read and speak English fluently yet, like Americans of all ages, their understanding of the words they pronounced was limited. Thus the role playing through their own imaginary synarios.
Imagine, if people of all ages, races and religions (including political candidates) applied such morality, “what a wonderful world this would be!” When this is done, one individual, one administration, one nation at a time can be a friend to the whole human race!
What a simple childlike formula in theory, but one practically impossible to realistically achieve upon reaching adulthood.
Another example in the Holy Writings states: “If a person has nine bad qualities and one good one, cling to the one and forget the nine,” as it has been historically proven that people tend to live up or down to expectations.
An entire chapter in one of the books is dedicated to the detriment of criticism, fault-finding, gossip, slander and backbiting while concentrating more upon acknowledging and rooting out our own faults and overcoming our own failures. “If we look at people from the standpoint of their faults, then being a friend to them is a formidable task”–and the same senario applies in reverse. The present state of national and international affairs is becoming indicative of this truth. Now is not the time for any of us to busy ourselves with the weaknesses of others. Each of us (as men and nations) is far from being perfect and the task of perfecting our own life and character is one that requires full attention, will power and energy.
If we show love (which often begins with the nasty word tolerance), patience toward the weaknesses of others (as we would hope for ourselves) and srive to replace criticism with encouragement, others will begin to do likewise having been elevated through our example of spiritual strength.
Dare to be different! Dare to be a thermostat rather than just another thermometer! Dare to Demonstrate Dignity! Dare to Investigate! – (1-800-22-UNITE)
