When a life is purely moral, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, the insincere learn sincerity from it, the faithless become faithful, and the cowardly find courage, simply by coming into contact with it. Example works without argument. Bahá’u’lláh asks that our acts be a guide to all humankind, and the Báb points to His own years as a merchant as a pattern for every transaction. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose own conduct the friends were told to follow, knew that all eyes were fixed on those who lived beneath the Shrine, and He resisted every difficulty so that others might learn to do the same. The power is double-edged: the wish to be admired can hollow out the very conduct that inspires, which is why enduring influence rests on private character, on fellowship, and on deeds that make spoken conviction credible. Confucius’ ruler who governs by virtue and so becomes a pole star around which the others turn offers an older picture of character’s quiet pull [1]. The way leads on to goodly deeds, to the virtuous life as it is walked day by day, and to the conduct that marks a true believer.
When a person's life is purely moral, when his daily actions are propelled by ethical forces he will influence tremendously the lives of those who come in touch with him. The insincere man learns from him the lessons of sincerity, the faithless becomes faithful, the ignorant wise, and the cowardly, courageous.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Feb-24 -- ABU3333)
02
Let your acts be a guide unto all mankind, that from your behaviour and conduct they may be enabled to recognize the signs and commandments of God.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Words spoken to Mirza 'Ali-Akbar Kashani -- BHU0058)
03
I who am your example have been a merchant by profession. It behoves you in all your transactions to follow in My way.
I must be an example that you may learn to do the same, resisting all difficulties that firmness and steadfastness may be shown. Strength will be given to sustain work for God if the purpose is to aid him.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mountfort Mills in 1921 -- ABU2501)
06
Praise be to God, you too have followed his example, becoming a manifestation of "the son is the secret of his father."
To the extent possible, walk in his path and follow his example in all things, so that you may spend your days in the best of gifts, discover the treasure of the Kingdom, and become a manifestation of "God will enrich all from His abundance."
Wherefore, give thanks unto God inasmuch as He hath made you exemplars unto His loved ones. And in you is an excellent example for them to follow in the path of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr ca., to Baha'is of Namiq et al -- AB04124)
08
All eyes of the world are fixed upon us who are here under the shade of the Holy Shrine. All eyes are upon us - both those within and those without - all are focused on this point to see what will appear and emerge from us. We must be such that all creation is astonished by our conduct and behavior. When souls who come to visit the Holy Shrine meet us, if they are withered may they become fresh and verdant, if they are dejected may they become enkindled, if they are heedless may they become aware, if they are bound may they become detached.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Oct-31 in Akka -- ABU0142)
09
And now, I hope that thou shalt become the cause of the illumination of souls, so that they may acquire a heavenly nature, and that thy goodly character may exert its influence upon a vast number of people.
Any of the friends who conduct themselves according to the divine teachings become a light to the human world and a brilliant star in the horizon of eternal glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jun-04, to Haji Mirza Muhammad Yazdi Alaqihband -- AB06692)
11
Holy and assured souls must manifest such deeds and character as are befitting, that all the peoples of the earth may follow their example, so that the light of recognition may encompass and illumine the world.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302-05-29 [1885-Mar-16], to Abdu'l-'Ali -- BH11778)
12
Consider how the Arab poet saith: "For us, in those who have gone before from among the past centuries, there are insights." That is, those souls who have passed on before, those peoples and nations who preceded us and lived in bygone ages---which among them became illumined like candles and attained the loftiest summit of everlasting glory?
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Sep-28 in Haifa -- ABU0144)
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13
One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Baha'u'llah.
BA.066, Ruhi6.2.19
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified
14
Not all of us are capable of serving in the same way, but the one way every Baha'i can spread the Faith is by example. This moves the hearts of people far more deeply than words ever can. The love we show others, the hospitality and understanding, the willingness to help them, these are the very best advertisements of the Faith. They will want to hear about it when they see these things in our lives.
COC#1291, COC#1957 (14 Oct. 1943 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified
15
Through example, loving fellowship, prayer, and kindness the friends can attract the hearts of such people and enable them to realize that this is the Cause of God in deed, not merely words!...
COC#1955 (24 Feb. 1943 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified
Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.