When criticism and harsh words arise within a Bahá'í
community, there is no remedy except to put the past behind one, and persuade
all concerned to turn over a new leaf, and for the sake of God and His Faith
refrain from mentioning the subjects which have led to misunderstanding and
inharmony. The more the friends argue back and forth and maintain, each side,
that their point of view is the right one, the worse the whole situation
becomes.
When we see the condition the world is in today, we must
surely forget these utterly insignificant internal disturbances, and rush,
unitedly, to the rescue of humanity. You should urge your fellow-Bahá'ís to
take this point of view, and to support you in a strong effort to suppress
every critical thought and every harsh word, in order to let the spirit of
Bahá'u'lláh flow into the entire community, and unite it in His love and in His
service.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 16 February 1951 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II,
Living the Life)
