Teaching

The real Baha'i will not only believe in the teachings of Baha'u'llah, but
find in them the guide and inspiration of his whole life and joyfully
impart to others the knowledge that is the wellspring of his own being.
Only thus will he receive in full measure "the power and confirmation of
the Spirit." All cannot be eloquent speakers or ready writers, but all can
teach by "living the life." Baha'u'llah says:--

The people of Baha must serve the Lord with wisdom, teach others
by their lives, and manifest the light of God in their deeds. The
effect of deed is in truth more powerful than that of words.--Words
of Paradise

The Baha'i will, however, on no account force his ideas on those who do
not wish to hear them. He will attract people to the Kingdom of God, not
try to drive them into it. He will be like the good shepherd who leads his
flock, and charms the sheep by his music, rather than like the one who,
from behind, urges them on with dog and stick.

Baha'u'llah says in the Hidden Words:--

O Son of Dust!

The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing,
even as the cup-bearer, who proffereth not his cup till he findeth
a seeker, and the lover who crieth not out from the depths of his
heart until he gazeth upon the beauty of his beloved. Wherefore
sow the seeds of wisdom and knowledge in the pure soil of the
heart, and keep them hidden, till the hyacinths of divine wisdom
spring from the heart and not from mire and clay.

Again He says, in the Tablet of I_sh_raqat:--

O people of Baha! Ye are the dawning-places of the Love and
daysprings of the Favor of God. Defile not your tongues with
cursing or execrating anyone, and guard your eyes from that which
is not worthy. Show forth that which ye possess (i.e. Truth). If
it be accepted, the aim is attained. If not, to rebuke or
interfere with him who rejects is vain. Leave him to himself, and
advance towards God, the Protector, the Self-Subsistent. Be not
the cause of sorrow, how much less of sedition and strife! It is
hoped that ye may be nurtured in the shade of the tree of Divine
Bounty and act as God has willed for you. Ye are all leaves of one
tree and drops of one sea.

Courtesy and Reverence

Baha'u'llah says:--

O people of God! I exhort you to courtesy. Courtesy is indeed ...
the lord of all virtu