Tuesday 22 November 2011

Why do actions speak louder than words?

I feel this Baha'i quote is most timely, given the current state of world affairs:

"Let those who meet you know, without your proclaiming the fact, that you are indeed a Baha'i. 

Put into practice the teachings of Baha'u'llah, that of kindness to all nations.  Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.

...

What profit is there is agreeing that universal friendship is good, and talking of the solidarity of the human race as a grand ideal?  Unless these thoughts are translated into the world of action, they are useless.

The wrong of the world continues to exist just because people talk only of their ideals, and do not strive to put them into practice.  If actions took the place of words, the world's misery would very soon be changed into comfort.

A man who does great good, and talks not of it, is on the way to perfection.

The man who has accomplished a small good and magnifies it in his speech is worth very little.

If I love you, I need not continually speak of my love - you will know without any words.  On the other hand if I love you not, that you will also know - and you would not believe me, were I to tell you in a thousand words, that I loved you.

People make such profession of goodness, multiplying fine words because they wish to be thought greater and better than their fellows, seeking fame in the eyes of the world.  Those who do the most good use fewest words concerning their actions.

The children of God do the works without boasting, obeying His laws.

My hope for you is that you will ever avoid tyranny and oppression; that you will work without ceasing till justice reigns in every land, that you will keep your hearts pure and your hands free from unrighteousness.

This is what the near approach to God requires from you, and this is what I expect of you.

The power and value of true thought depend upon its manifestation in action."

- Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks

No comments:

Post a Comment