Bahá’u’lláh compared the world of humanity to the human body. A body (and by definition a world), thrives when all systems are in unity and balance. In an environment of discord, how is concord and balance restored? It is looking at an individual with an attitude of respect for their right to exist. It is saying “Hi, how are you?” when encountering each other. It requires fostering kindness, and developing trust. Friendships grow from acquaintances. One by one, by one, until groups become communities of friends that can move humanity forward in unity, peace and in balance. The requirements for this well-being are clearly spelled out by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who said oftentimes: “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path. You must manifest complete love and affection toward all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others, but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God. Know that God is compassionate toward all; therefore, love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race, and be kind toward the people of all nationalities.”
Bahá’u’lláh said “let actions not words be your adorning”. This simple directive says it all.
The Universal House of Justice has written to the peoples of the world:“…strive to perceive the nobility in every human being—rich or poor, man or woman, old or young, city dweller or villager, worker or employer, irrespective of ethnicity or religion. Help the poor and deprived. Attend to the needs of young people and foster in them confidence in the future so that they may prepare themselves adequately for service to humankind. Take every opportunity to present to your fellow citizens, with utmost sincerity, your experience in combating prejudice and collaborate with them in creating bonds of love and fellowship, and so contribute to the progress of your nation and the prosperity of its people.“
‘Abdu’l-Baha says that “[t]he language of kindness is the lodestone of hearts and the food of the soul. Be ye sincerely kind, not in appearance only. Let each one of God’s loved ones centre his attention on this: to be the Lord’s mercy to man; to be the Lord’s grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him. Let him improve the character of each and all, and reorient the minds of men.” He further said: “Man has two powers; and his development, two aspects. One power is connected with the material world, and by it he is capable of material advancement. The other power is spiritual, and through its development his inner, potential nature is awakened. These powers are like two wings. Both must be developed, for flight is impossible with one wing.” : "This is the balance...."
This is the balance the world seeks and craves. July 30th -The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.