May 2, 2024

Spiritual Assemblies: “…it behoveth them to converse… upon the affairs and interests of all“

Once in session, it behoveth them to converse, on behalf of God’s servants, upon the affairs and interests of all.  They should, for instance, accord precedence to the teaching of the Cause, inasmuch as it is a matter of supreme importance, so that all people, even as a single soul, may enter within the Tabernacle of divine Unity, and all humanity may become even as a single body.  In like manner, they should consider such matters as the refinement of manners, the preservation of human dignity, the development of cities, and the polity which God hath made a bulwark for His lands and a fortress for His people.

The teaching of the Cause of God should be considered with a view to what, in the particular conditions of each time and age, is most conducive to its advancement and, similarly, other matters; whatever is then decided upon should be carried into effect.  Care, however, should be taken lest aught be implemented contrary to that which hath been sent down in the divine verses in this Revelation of imperishable glory.  For whatsoever the one true God—exalted be His glory!—hath prescribed unto His servants, the same is to their best advantage.  He, verily, is kinder to you than ye are to yourselves; He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Should these souls comply with the prescribed conditions, they shall assuredly be aided through His invisible bestowals.  This, truly, is an undertaking whose benefit embraceth all.

- Baha'u'llah  (From a Tablet, compilation: ‘The Local Spiritual Assembly, 2017 revised edition; online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)