“See ye no strangers rather see all men as friends, for love and unity come hard when ye fix your gaze on otherness. For each of the creatures is a sign of God, and it was by the grace of the Lord and His power that each did step into the world; therefore they are not strangers, but in the family; not aliens, but friends, and to be treated as such.”
Human beings were not created to live alone but, rather, to belong to communities. A vibrant community is one in which individuals, families and institutions work together with a common purpose for the welfare of everyone. This translates into a process of community building, through strengthening both the spiritual and material nature of the community. In this regard, each community member has a part to play.
Bahá’ís along with other like minded people are engaged in a community building process by developing capacities for service, and fostering true friendships with all people, founded on mutual support and cooperation. Service to others enhances our intellectual and spiritual growth, and at the same time, allows us to give back to our local communities and make a difference in society. These two aspects, acquiring spiritual and intellectual growth and contributing to the transformation of society are fundamentally inseparable dimensions of a single process.
“The purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony.”Baha’u’llah
This inspiration changes our understanding of what it means to contribute toward promoting humanity's well-being. According to the Baha’i Faith, there is no greater blessing conceivable for a man than that he should become the cause of education, development, prosperity and honor of his fellow creatures. This is the highest righteousness of blessed souls that they take hold of the hands of the helpless and deliver them out of their ignorance and abasement and poverty, and with pure motives, and only for the sake of God, to arise and energetically devote themselves to the service of the masses.
Building a vibrant community is the work of this generation and the many generations to come. It is built through the daily efforts of people who share the same concern, who are the most active and earnest well-wishers of humanity. Regardless of our age, capacities, or background we can all contribute to the betterment of our communities.
Building a vibrant community usually entails participating at the grassroot efforts by engaging in the devotional gatherings, spiritual education of children, junior youth spiritual empowerment program and study circles. You are invited to participate in this community building process by contacting a Baha’i community close to you.
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