...There is a tendency to mix up the functions of the
Administration and try to apply it in individual relationships, which is
abortive, because the Assembly is a nascent House of Justice and is supposed to
administer, according to the Teachings, the affairs of the community. But
individuals toward each other are governed by love, unity, forgiveness and a
sin-covering eye. Once the friends grasp this they will get along much better,
but they keep playing Spiritual Assembly to each other and expect the Assembly
to behave like an individual....
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi
Effenfi to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance: A Baha'i Reference
File’)