Every community is tested by a simple question: when one person is in need, who notices, and who comes? ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sets that standard first, asking that the friends help one another in both the inner life and the practical one, and that they found institutions whose benefit reaches people who will never belong to them. From there the picture widens. The friends are waves of one sea and lamps of one room; a handful of people who love each other very much can be the whole beginning; consultation, practised even in ordinary affairs, turns disagreement into a way of caring. The Universal House of Justice describes a community as more than the sum of its members, and administration as nothing more than an instrument for learning the difficult and wonderful art of living together. Acts 2:42–47 offers an older picture of worship, shared meals and provision according to need [1]. The road onward runs through fellowship and love among the friends, the Nineteen-Day Feast and devotional gatherings, and the House of Worship, where common life finds a durable form.
Among the friends of God, in particular, this strong foundation must be fortified in such wise that each soul may help the other in all matters, whether pertaining to spiritual realities and inner truths or to the material and physical aspects of life. Such is especially the case with regard to the founding of public institutions that benefit all people, and, in particular, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, which constituteth the greatest of divine foundations.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jan-29, to Baha'is of Iran et al -- AB00362)
02
To organize assemblies is praiseworthy and acceptable, but these must be established for certain matters. For example: Assemblages for teaching (the Truth), gatherings for the spread of the fragrances of God, gathers for the relief of the orphans, gatherings for the protection (i.e., feeding, etc.,) of the poor, assemblages for the spread of learning and, in a word, there must be gatherings for matters which concern the well-being of men, such as organizations of a society of commerce, societies for the expansion of agriculture. To be brief, similar societies are very acceptable and praiseworthy and concern all in general and not a particular number.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Jun-13, to Akhavan Safa, Aqa Muhammad Mihdi et al -- AB00590)
03
Soon you will observe that they will become thus with all humanity - they will see no strangers and observe no foreigners. They will become intimate with every soul and harmonious with every person. They will see all creation as signs of the power and grandeur of the Lord, and observe all humanity as manifestations of divine favors.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-May-03, to Baha'is of Paris et al -- AB02138)
04
He said the one essential, the only thing to do was that the members of the little groups should love each other very much and be devoted friends.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Miss Rosenberg, spoken around 1909-Jan-09 -- ABU3218)
05
The divine friends are waves of one sea and drops of one river, flowers of one garden and fragrances of one rose garden, stars of one heaven and lamps of one chamber. They must care for one another and be kind to each other.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902-11 ca., to Ali Muhammad Shirazi et al -- AB02998)
06
The members who are consulting, however, should behave in the utmost love, harmony and sincerity towards each other. The principle of consultation is one of the most fundamental elements of the divine edifice. Even in their ordinary affairs the individual members of society should consult.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897 ca., to Spiritual Assembly of Bunab -- AB07356)
07
With utmost joy and fragrance gather in the merciful meeting and consult about every matter so that gathering may become the cause of fellowship, love and oneness of the human world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun ca., to Remey, Charles Mason et al -- AB00889)
08
Today what is necessary for your honor is this: to act in whatever way possible that which will strengthen the cords of love. Whosoever acteth for the sake of God will assuredly be assisted by the effulgences of the lights of divine grace and will be aided.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304 ? [1886-1887], to Tabib -- BH00589)
09
O My friends! You are the foundations of the houses of the Cause. If the foundations be not firm, the houses will not endure. And you are the wellsprings of the earth of knowledge. If the source be muddy, it will spread to all the divergent streams, and all will become turbid.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to followers of Baha'u'llah -- BH01514)
10
Now you must, with the utmost joy and fragrance and infinite gladness, engage in encouraging and nurturing the friends, and like a candle burn and be content, so that gathering may always remain gathered, not scattered, not dejected, not withered, but rather moment by moment become fresh and verdant, attaining boundless delicacy, grace and sweetness.
O sheep of God, ye must gather the flock in such wise that none remaineth astray and sought after in your midst.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-May-31, to Baha'is of Baghdad -- AB03531)
12
This is especially true if opposition and conflict arise between themselves, that is, among the friends. In such cases it is incumbent upon all to strive earnestly to resolve it.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293-05 [1876-May], to Abdu'l-Husayn -- BH04627)
13
Today the confirmations of the Abha Kingdom are rushing and surging forward like the hosts of the Concourse on High, but discord between the friends of God becomes a barrier wall and an obstructing rampart.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Oct-26, to Jamshid Khudadad Hakim -- AB04276)
14
Praise be to God that the friends in Shiraz are humble and suppliant at the Threshold of Oneness, and are intimate and harmonious with each other. For this reason, no disturbing news arrives from that land, and the feelings of hearts should day by day become the remover of sorrows.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Sep-19, to Fazlullah Banan -- AB05135)
15
O spiritual friends! Although I have not written you a spiritual letter, I have kept the friends in mind and have offered utmost supplication at the Threshold of Oneness, seeking aid and bounty, that the friends may become helpers of one another, companions and servants to each other, and achieve victory and triumph; that they may become intoxicated and overwhelmed by the wine of the love of God, and become alive and restless from the fragrance of this pure musk; that they may attain fresh life moment by moment and seek boundless favors, becoming intoxicated by this cup.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907 ca., to Qumrudi, Mashhadi Mustafa Quli et al -- AB01976)
16
Such gatherings spring from nobility of nature and loftiness of character, and cause hearts to be enkindled with warmth and fire. Friends become helpers, and loved ones, like the Pleiades, embrace one another.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-May-18, to Aqa Alyahu (Kashan) et al -- AB11957)
17
The Master also said the believers must always be together as much as possible. He said two lamps in a room give more light than one lamp, and that the believers are like flowers gathered from different bushes into one bouquet.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Breakwell, Hopper, Brittingham, spoken around 1901-Sep-04 -- ABU1794)
18
O divine friends! Arrange gatherings of fellowship and like the trees of paradise bring forth the fruits of love.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Aug-20, to Baha'is of Qazvin -- AB01211)
19
O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God! Whether in Cincinnati or in other cities, endeavor to produce perfect harmony and love among the beloved of GOD. This is the foundation of the Kingdom of GOD.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904-Jun-01, to Isabella D Brittingham -- AB00569)
20
In any case, guide all the friends to oneness and unity and accord and agreement and love and fellowship and spiritual unity. If this gift, which is the eternal bounty of the Beauty of Oneness, becomes worthy and abundant in that land, surely the mystery of reality will become manifest and the Beauty of the All-Merciful will unveil His countenance.
The news of the unity and harmony of the friends in Amzajird and the establishment of spiritual meetings and gatherings has brought joy and gladness. The friends must increase their unity and oneness day by day and show love and kindness to one another so that the human world may become an example of essential unity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Jun-09, to Akhavan Safa, Aqa Muhammad Mihdi et al -- AB00185)
22
In your letter was the glad tidings of the love, fellowship and unity of the illumined friends. This soul-cheering news brought the utmost joy and delight to the hearts of the longing ones.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Muinul-Hukama, Aqa Mirza Rida Tabib et al -- AB01814)
23
Your presence there is the cause of maintaining harmony.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1901 or <, to Mirza Husayn Zanjani -- AB09029)
24
You should now be present in the gatherings of the friends there and be the cause of enthusiasm and joy for the loved ones.
Now, praise be to God, in the absence of this servant the friends are united, and like unto bright candles.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Haji Mirza Haydar Ali Isfahani -- AB04490)
26
The desire of my heart and soul is to write individually to each one, but destiny does not accord with planning. … Thus, I have considered the united souls of the friends as one spirit, and the radiant rays of the sun as one manifestation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jul-07, to Hamadani, Mirza Isma'il et al -- AB01436)
27
Furthermore, the divine friends must always associate and meet with each other with perfect wisdom, engage in the remembrance of God, and inhale from each other the sweet fragrance of the love of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Kamali Sarvistani, Haydar Ali et al -- AB03806)
28
Due to lack of time, a brief response is written, which is this: Spiritual gatherings established for teaching souls - whether men's gatherings, women's gatherings, or mixed - are all acceptable and necessary for spreading the divine fragrances. Likewise, a general gathering once per week where the friends come together, engage in divine remembrance, read prayers and deliver effective talks is acceptable and beloved.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Apr-20, to Louise Waite -- AB01900)
29
Nothing in the world of existence is greater than such gatherings as these because they have been called solely for the love of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words at table to the friends, spoken in Newton home on 1912-Jun-07 -- ABU1919)
30
At present thy purpose is to organize a meeting and to guide the souls to the Divine Kingdom. Excellent is thy intention. Found thou this meeting in thy own home and arise in the guidance of souls.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-May-31, to Kaukab H A Maccutcheon -- AB05252)
31
'Abdu'l-Baha said: "It is not a duty incumbent upon them; it is not obligatory, but if they have no special demand upon their time, the Believers must be present at the meetings.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr and Mrs Hannen, spoken on 1909-Feb-25 -- ABU2919)
32
He said: "If they cannot arrange to go every Sunday, they must go every other Sunday, if not every other Sunday then once a month. But they must come together and must keep up the Sunday School."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mrs. A.S.K. [Alma Sedonia Knobloch], spoken on 1913-Apr-02 -- ABU3441)
33
Regarding the gathering of the friends once a year in one of the cities of India that you had written about - this arrangement is agreeable if the gathering takes place with the utmost joy and fragrance. And if, as it should be, it proves difficult to gather with happiness, delight, unity and harmony, you must strive until the means of perfection are attained and this beneficial matter is realized.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Mar-11, to Mahmud Zarqani -- AB00798)
34
Such a person must be shown the utmost respect - that despite being a church minister, he would make such an effort to make his church a gathering place for Baha'is, without any fear or hesitation, undaunted by the reproach and derision of people, and become a cause of the diffusion of divine fragrances.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jun-18, to Howard Macnutt -- AB04009)
35
It is hoped that that gathering will become a reflection of the realm above and receive a ray from the Supreme Concourse.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jun-26, to Mirza Muhammad Baqir Khan Shirazi -- AB03656)
36
The gathering of the friends is a reflection of the outpourings of the Supreme Concourse, therefore it is luminous and spiritual and divine.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Qanbar Ali Naqqash -- AB06070)
37
Then, exulting, do they lift up their voices, and shout, 'O ye spiritual communion! O ye gathering of God! Blessed are ye! Glad tidings be unto you! Bright be your faces, and be ye of good cheer, for ye cling to the Covenant of the Beloved of all the worlds, ye are on fire with the wine of His Testament.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Baha'is of the world -- AB04432)
38
O ye who are longing for the countenance of that Kind Beloved!
Praise be to God that the city of Qazvin has become such a banquet hall of the highest heaven that in the Festival of Ridvan the heavenly feast descended from the celestial kingdom. Gatherings of unity were arranged and assemblies of the new creation were adorned.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Siyyid Hashim son of Ali Naqi et al -- AB05782)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
39
The hope is that, on account of the Divine Grace, the assembly of the maidservants of the Merciful may attain perfect organization, and, through their efforts in achieving complete continuity, realize their much-appreciated services.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jun-01, to Abbas Qabil -- AB02513)
40
Praise be to God, the maidservants of the All-Merciful in Tehran have established a gathering and engaged in service at the Threshold. It is certain that the protection of divine grace will arrive and the confirmation of the Divine Unity will encompass them, and that gathering will be successful in outstanding services.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-May ca., to Uzra Khanum Diyaul-Hajiyyih -- AB05394)
41
Therefore the School for Girls that hath been established in that place must be made the object of the deep concern and high endeavours of the friends.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Munavvar et al -- AB03327)
42
The divine friends must certainly exert their utmost effort so that once again the former school in Qamrud may be established with perfect order.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Oct-26, to Najjar, Ustad Ibrahim brother of Ustad Isma'il -- AB03110)
43
I was pleased to know, also, that you have organized a committee for correspondence with all part of the world, and another committee to each the Truth to the youths.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Nov or <, to Spiritual Assembly of Isfahan -- AB03593)
44
Communication with the friends of various parts is one of the greatest means of spreading the fragrances.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905 ca., to Charles Mason Remey -- AB10703)
45
O ye dear friends of mine! It is incumbent upon the assemblies of those regions to be connected one with another and to correspond with one another, and also to communicate with the assemblies of the east, thus to become agencies for union throughout the world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-May-25, to Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, IL et al -- AB00774)
46
Cooperation and mutual assistance are the basis of the religion of God. The East must assist the West and the West must assist the East.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-May-18, to Mary B Morrison -- AB04820)
47
Now that you are members of the Spiritual Assembly, you must strive day and night with all your soul and render praiseworthy services to the world of humanity. That is, you must seek the good of all and the good pleasure of the Self-Subsisting Lord.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902-Nov-25, to Spiritual Assembly of Kashan et al -- AB02608)
48
If the Spiritual Assembly attains complete coherence, connection, blending and integration, it will succeed in mighty undertakings, the signs of divine confirmations will become manifest and apparent, the lights of sanctity will shine forth, and the power of the Holy Spirit's confirmation will become visible and evident.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr ca., to Yunis Afrukhtih -- AB11350)
49
In truth, until these principles are observed and implemented in every city, the affairs of the loved ones of God will not be properly organized.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Tabib Irvani, Mirza Aqa Jan son of Harun Hamadani -- AB03167)
50
When the confirmation of the Holy Spirit descendeth, ye are not a drop, but a roaring sea! Ye are the stars of the horizon of guidance! If this committee become firm, it will grow and develop; if it remain steadfast, it will become a gift of the Almighty to the human world; if it last, it will display marvelous signs for the well-being of the children of man!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Apr-30, to Woodward, Frederick James et al -- AB03002)
51
Should the circle of this Society be widely extended and its various branches well organized and systematized it will remain firm and become established, and if its members arise with perfect unity and agreement, know ye of a certainty that at the end, it will become the greatest Society of the world, produce inexhaustible results and benefits, become the tree of the oneness of the realm of humanity and cast its all-encircling shade over the people of the East and the West.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Apr-03, to Persian-American Educational Society -- AB01883)
52
They must strive to solve such problems which would yield eternal results and consult about such matters which would benefit the world of humanity;- so that at the end of the vacation the members of the community may become richer morally, spiritually and intellectually and better means of livelihood for the poor be provided - thus may they become happier and more comfortable.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1914-Mar-21 -- ABU0731)
53
All the friends must strive so much in the development and beautification of lands that they bring the lands to life.
The world of humanity is in need of great improvement, for it is a material jungle wherein trees without fruit flourish and useless weeds abound. If at all there is a tree that beareth fruit it is overshadowed by the fruitless ones, and if a flower groweth in this jungle it is hidden and concealed.
The world of mankind is in need of expert gardeners who may convert these forests into delectable rose gardens, may substitute for these barren trees ones that yield fruit, and may replace these useless weeds with roses and fragrant herbs.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-26, to Charles Hall -- AB04669)
55
The Mashrak-el-Azkar, though outwardly a material foundation, is possessed of spiritual effect and causes the union of hearts and the gathering of souls.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Jun ca., to Baha'is of Chicago, IL -- AB00963)
56
To have it [the Mashrak-el-Azkar] built is most important. Some material things have spiritual effect, and the Mashrak-el-Azkar is a material thing that will have great effect upon the spirits of the people.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Helen Goodall and Ella Cooper spoken in Jan. 1908 -- ABU2684)
57
This building will be the cause of unity and prosperity of the Cause. Then unity comes. From every part the believers will assist. This is a heavenly society. And, also, it will be the cause of strength. The believers will get blessings and bounties.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Arthur Agnew et al, spoken on 1907-Apr-16 -- ABU1632)
58
It was perused with exceeding rejoicing and then we proffered thanks at the Divine Threshold that praise be to God, blessed souls have appeared in that city who are summoning the people to the Kingdom of God, are promoting the heavenly Teachings and are showing forth generosity in contributing toward the building of the Mashrekol Azkar.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Apr-20, to Baha'is of Cleveland, OH -- AB07539)
59
Its charms and wonder lie in this, that it may become the center of the Bahais and the cry of 'Ya Baha El Abha' be raised from all its direction.
"Whatever place proves a focal point for the concentrated effort f the friends of GOD shall become a Center, provided, they live according to the Teachings of Baha'u'llah, consorting with one another in the utmost of love. Such a place will be at the Center be it Green Acre or elsewhere."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Charles and Mariam Haney spoken in Feb. 1909 -- ABU0669)
61
Praise be to God, in Paris, souls intimate and precious have appeared; the Cause of God hath breathed spirit into a feeble body, and the foundations of the divine teachings have been laid. The hope is that, in this centre, those who are naturalists may become divine, may find the field open before them and prevail; that the divine edifice may be raised on high, and that the banner of Ya Baha'u'l-Abha may wave. Upon you be greeting and praise.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Yazdi, Mirza Abdu'l-Husayn et al -- AB04379)
62
If the Bahai Assembly of Washington ariseth in a befitting manner to love, service and magnanimity, the lights of the love of God will be cast upon all sides from that Assembly and it will find more importance day by day, until it attain to the Most Supreme Station.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907 ca., to Charles Mason Remey -- AB02919)
63
There is firm hope that the members of that assembly will become radiant lamps and cast the light of guidance upon that region, so that Shiraz may become the manifestation of mystery and the melody of secrets may spread throughout all the territories of that land.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-May-06, to Ali Muhammad Khan Muvaqqirud-Dawlih -- AB04720)
64
May all be utterly kind to one another, so that whoever comes and goes may inhale a musk-scented fragrance, and may the Spiritual Assembly of Bombay progress day by day until it becomes the cause of the spread of brilliant verses in those regions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Jan-13, to Jamshid Khudadad Hakim -- AB06216)
65
O faithful servants of Baha'u'llah! In truth, you are members of the Assembly of Purification and receivers of the lights of sanctification, for you are the cause of fellowship among the friends, the gathering of the loved ones, the guidance of the heedless, and the promotion of the unity of the human world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Aug-10, to Committee of Spiritual Assembly of Tihran -- AB06059)
66
That assembly is the rose-garden of the Cause of God and that meeting is the gathering-place of the beloved of God. If it endureth, it is the first assembly of the world and is the greatest assembly of mankind.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904-Jun-16, to Charles Mason Remey -- AB06152)
67
Although your gathering is small, yet since you are firm and steadfast, in the future this gathering will greatly expand and become complete, for those firm in the Covenant are successful and assisted.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Feb-03, to Edith Whitton -- AB07096)
68
O assemblage of the Spirit! The assemblage ye formed was like a mirror facing the assemblage of God in the heavenly Kingdom. … Exert yourselves, day by day, to increase the effects produced by this assemblage and to spread its pervasive influence.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Oct-16, to Members of 1st Int'l Baha'i Congress San Francisco -- AB06603)
69
You had praised this year's Convention. This Convention will gain tremendous importance in the future. It will reach such a degree that all conventions of the world will become humble and submissive before this Convention, for its foundation is the unity of the human world, universal peace, fellowship and love between all humanity, cooperation and equality between all nations, and the dawning of the light of truth.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-16, to Maud E Thompson -- AB06615)
70
O illumined Assembly! Praise be to God that you have succeeded in establishing that Assembly, and your purpose is to promote universal peace, establish the oneness of the world of humanity, and investigate truth.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-22, to Spiritual Assembly of Racine, WI -- AB09480)
71
O spiritual friend! Show kindness to human temples as much as you can, bestow affection upon every person, and adorn every gathering, so that all peoples may enter beneath the shelter of the Most Great Name and all tribes may receive their portion and share from the bounties of the Ancient Beauty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Bamis Mihraban -- AB10658)
72
God willing, God's special favors have been and will continue to be with her. The reward of no doer of good has been or will ever be lost. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Forgiving, the Generous."
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-09-02 [1881-Jul-29], to Haji Muhammad Husayn Tabib -- BH00219)
73
The fame of the loved ones in 'Ishqabad hath spread abroad and every discerning soul hath perceived therefrom the fragrance of the spirit and of divine favors. And should anyone spread reports contrary to what hath been spread abroad, this would surely cause abasement and humiliation.
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74
A community is of course more than the sum of its membership; it is a comprehensive unit of civilization composed of individuals, families and institutions that are originators and encouragers of systems, agencies and organizations working together with a common purpose for the welfare of people both within and beyond its own borders; it is a composition of diverse, interacting participants that are achieving unity in an unremitting quest for spiritual and social progress. Since Baha'is everywhere are at the very beginning of the process of community building, enormous effort must be devoted to the tasks at hand....
Ridvan.1996, Ruhi7.2.27
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75
As we have said in an earlier message, the flourishing of the community, especially at the local level, demands a significant enhancement in patterns of behavior by which the collective expression of the virtues of the individual members and the functioning of the Spiritual Assembly is manifest in the unity and fellowship of the community and the dynamism of its activity and growth. This calls for the integration of the component elements -- adults, youth and children -- in spiritual, social, educational and administrative activities; and their engagement in local plans of teaching and development. It implies a collective will and sense of purpose to perpetuate the Spiritual Assembly through annual election. It involves the practice of collective worship of God.
Ridvan.1996
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76
The friends must never mistake the Baha'i administration for an end in itself. It is merely the instrument of the spirit of the Faith. … The Baha'i administration is only the first shaping of what in future will come to be the social life and laws of community living. As yet the believers are only first beginning to grasp and practice it at times it seems a little self-conscious and rigid in its workings. It is because we are learning something very difficult but very wonderful -- how to live together as a community of Baha'is according to the glorious teachings.
LG#149, LG#277 (14 Oct. 1941 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
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77
...the flourishing of the community, especially at the local level, demands a significant enhancement in patterns of behaviour by which the collective expression of the virtues of the individual members and the functioning of the Spiritual Assembly is manifest in the unity and fellowship of the community and the dynamism of its activity and growth.
M86-01 212.5 (31 Dec. 1995 from the Universal House of Justice)
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78
At the heart of all activities, the spiritual, intellectual and community life of the believers must be developed and fostered, requiring: the prosecution with increased vigour of the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies so that they may exercise their beneficial influence and guidance on the life of Baha'i communities; the nurturing of a deeper understanding of Baha'i family life; the Baha'i education of children, including the holding of regular Baha'i classes and, where necessary, the establishment of tutorial schools for the provision of elementary education; the encouragement of Baha'i youth in study and service; and the encouragement of Baha'i women to exercise to the full their privileges and responsibilities in the work of the community....
Ridvan.1979, COC#2207
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79
...so much of the ability of the Faith to develop capacity for community building depends upon the size of our membership.
(20 Aug. 2002 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, quoted in "Building Momentum")
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80
The essence of the series of Plans that have unfolded since 1996 is relatively simple. Individuals, communities, and institutions are called upon, within the context of a cluster, to create a program of growth involving a vibrant, meaningful, and distinctive pattern of collective Baha'i life, infused by the spirit of the Creative Word, and open not only to the believers but to those from the wider society.
(Feb. 2014 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice; cited in The American Baha'i July/Aug 2014 p. 30)
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81
How wonderful it would be if all the friends could arrange to spend at least a few days in one of these summer schools and take an active part in their development. These centers could attract many souls if properly arranged and made interesting; those non-Baha'is who visit them will then have some time to get into the spirit of the place and make a study of the Cause... We constantly receive letters from people who become Baha'is by visiting one of these centers and obtaining the Message there.
COC#017 (May 1932 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
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82
Indeed the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other's love for strength and consolation in time of need. The Cause of God is endowed with tremendous powers, and the reason the believers do not gain more from it is because they have not learned to fully draw on these mighty forces of love and strength and harmony generated by the Faith.
(8 May 1942 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, COC#1288)
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83
The unity, love, harmony and proper understanding of the administration of the Cause which exists in a community are the measure of its progress, and on them depend directly the expansion of the Faith.
UD.205 (9 Oct. 1947 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
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84
The Baha'is must not fear the future: but should continue to live normal lives, but at the same time determinedly labour for the rapid expansion and consolidation of the Faith so dear to their hearts, and so greatly needed by mankind.
(Messages to the Antipodes, p.416, 24 Sept. 1956 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
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85
Ultimately, the power to transform the world is effected by love, love originating from the relationship with the divine, love ablaze among members of a community, love extended without restriction to every human being. … You are channels for this divine love; let it flow through you to all who cross your path. Infuse it into every neighborhood and social space in which you move to build capacity to canalize the society-building power of Baha'u'llah's Revelation.
(22 July 2020 from the Universal House of Justice)
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