As we approach the longest holiday season of the year, despite over-commercialization and the increased frenzy associated with it each year, we are still reminded, in greeting cards at least, of the words gentleness, love, and humility. Regardless of one’s religious persuasion (or lack of) the effect of these words still resonates throughout the season from the concept of the birth of the Christ Child who symbolized the epitome of all three.
How unfortunate it is that respect for these words has such a short duration, especially from the masculine point of view. From infancy, there are specific terms that are readily associated with any male child displaying such admirable characteristics often perceived by males and females alike as weakness. Quite the opposite is displayed, however, in any male child and adult who is strong enough and bold enough to dare to be either, much less all three.
The Baha’i Writings overflow with instructions on these and other virtues which are becoming antiquated and nonexistent in today’s rude and crude society. Yet children brought up in a home where these virtues abound will most likely unconsciously acquire these habits toward others. Sadly enough such homes are becoming increasingly hard to find in modern society’s one-parent or two-working-parent families. Therefore enrollment in or association with individuals and institutions that practice such virtues would certainly be preferable in a child’s earliest stages as their spiritual and emotional death is pretty well cast by the age of 5 years, according to child psychologists and other specialists.
We read in the Baha’i Writings that “We must associate with all humanity in gentleness and kindness.” What a “Mission Impossible” for those who have never experienced either, to say nothing of those constantly being exposed to the ravages of war. Gentleness and humility imply courtesy, forbearance, patience, and consideration, all deterrents to explosive situations and warring mentalities within immediate families and throughout the family of man.
And then there is love, the most misused and misunderstood word in the English language if not in the entire modern world, often confused with lust, perhaps in its lowest form. But there are many forms of love we are reminded of in the Baha’i Writings: love of self, other individuals, material possessions, and of religious, political, or national alliances, all temporary which end with the grave if not long before. Only the pure love of God (however we perceive Him) which we allow to radiate through us to others is from all eternity to all eternity, could we but perceive it?
“Let the love and light of the kingdom radiate through you until all who look upon you shall be illumined by its reflection,” state the Baha’i Writings.
During this fast-approaching holiday season, may we each re-evaluate and rededicate our lives to those organizations and institutions which collectively exemplify by deeds as well as words, that promote the betterment of the entire human race. In today’s advanced society as the Fatherhood of one God and the brotherhood of one mankind becomes more uncommonly clear, may we diligently strive to promote a perpetual season of gentleness and love.
