Service to Others

Knowledge and Practice

Source: Abdu’l-Baha in London

“Every progress depends on two things, knowledge and practice. First, acquire knowledge, and when conviction is reached, put it into practice.”

Once a learned man journeyed to see ‘Abdu’l-Baha to receive His blessing, saying he knew and comprehended the Baha’i Teachings.

‘Abdu’l-Baha recounted, “when I told him that he could receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit at any time when he put himself in a receptive attitude to accept them, he said that he was always in a receptive attitude. ‘What would you do,’ I asked, ‘if I were to suddenly turn and strike you?’ He instantly flared with indignation and strode angrily about the room. After a little I went over and took his arm, saying, ‘But you must return good for evil. Whether I honoured you or despised you, you should follow the Teachings; now you merely read them. Remember the words of Jesus who said, ‘The first shall be last and the last first.’ The man turned, shook my hand and departed, and I have since heard of many kind acts, he has done.”