Don't just learn, experience.

Don't just read, absorb. ENCOURAGEMENT

Don't just change, transform. “Do not despair! Work steadily. Sincerity and love will
Don't just relate, advocate. conquer hate…”
Don't just promise, prove.
Don't just criticize, encourage.
Don't just think, ponder. ~ Music and meditation ~
Don't just take, give.
Don't just see, feel.
Don’t just dream, do.
You live to do good and to bring happiness to others. Your
Don't just hear, listen.
greatest longing is to comfort those who mourn, to strengthen
Don't just talk, act.
Don't just tell, show. the weak, and to be the cause of hope to the despairing soul.
Don't just exist, live. Day and night your thoughts are turned to the Kingdom, and
your hearts are full of the Love of God.
- Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Thus you know neither opposition, dislike, nor hatred, for
One must see in every human being only that which is every living creature is dear to you and the good of each is
worthy of praise. When this is done, one can be a friend to sought.
the whole human race. If, however, we look at people from
the standpoint of their faults, then being a friend to them is a - `Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks
formidable task."
- `Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha One of the greatest pieces of advice given by the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was: “The most
beloved actions to Allah are those performed consistently,
Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man even if they are few.”
as he can and should be and he will become as he can and
should be. - Sahih Bukhari

- Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Peace of mind is gained by the centring of the spiritual brotherhood will come the Kingdom of God in peace and
consciousness on the Prophet of God; therefore you should goodwill.
study the spiritual Teachings, and receive the Water of Life
- `Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks
from the Holy Utterances. Then by translating these high
ideals into action, your entire character will be changed, and There would be no need for love if perfection were possible.
your mind will not only find peace, but your entire being will Love arises from our imperfection, from our being different
find joy and enthusiasm. and always in need of the forgiveness, encouragement and
that missing half of ourselves that we are searching for, as the
- From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an
Greek myth tells us, in order to complete ourselves.
individual believer, Lights of Guidance
- Eugene Kennedy
Words are singularly the most powerful force available to
humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively ~ Music and meditation ~
with words of encouragement, or destructively using words Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for
of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you
help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to love them for the sake of God. Humanity is not perfect. There
humble. are imperfections in every human being, and you will always
- Yehuda Berg become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves.
But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind
Do not despair! Work steadily. Sincerity and love will
to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and
conquer hate. How many seemingly impossible events are
complete mercy.
coming to pass in these days! Set your faces steadily towards
the Light of the World. Show love to all; 'Love is the breath - `Abdu'l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace
of the Holy Spirit in the heart of Man'. Take courage! God
never forsakes His children who strive and work and pray!
Let your hearts be filled with the strenuous desire that We can never exert the influence over others which we can
tranquillity and harmony may encircle all this warring world. exert over ourselves. If we are better, if we show love,
So will success crown your efforts, and with the universal patience, and understanding of the weakness of others, if we
seek to never criticize but rather encourage, others will do
likewise, and we can really help the Cause through our
example and spiritual strength.
- Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance