“…if he seems to be lonely try to help him, give him of your willing service; if he be sad console him, if poor succour him, if oppressed rescue him, if in misery comfort him.  In so doing you will manifest that not in words only, but in deed and in truth, you think of all men as your brothers.” (`Abdu’l-Baha; “Paris Talks”, p. 16)

True merit of “Service”

Whatever the measure and regardless of its form and outer significance, a ‘service’ should be offered sincerely and selflessly.  It should encourage freedom and be detached, light and free—of any attached strings of expectations, obliging burdens, or imposed feelings of guilt, inferiority and being in debt.  Yet again, no one should be forced to render a ‘service’; it should only be done voluntarily and through the free exercise of one’s own will-power.  Act of service deserves and merits the call for one’s own willing initiative and desire, depending on one’s own volition and conscious act, not ‘being volunteered’ for or having been imposed upon.  It should not be done for the sake of saving personal benefits in difficult situations, nor be considered popularity maintenance and an effort to preserve one’s reputation within the crowed.  Rendering a ‘service’ is an act that always involves a degree of sacrifice on one’s part; thus, it stretches beyond and stands far above the limits and obligations of one’s daily duties and job assignments performed merely for earning a living, with sole incentive of survival and securing one’s own material life.  Service is a nobly independent act and not a one to be confused with a forced rendering out of helplessness or insecurity or of desperation to receive attention, praise and popularity, nor it should be done because of any other reasons and mixed with ulterior motives—but only to be of a benefit and some goodness, promoting the best interests of the cause(s) and the person(s) that are being served.

“Man's merit lies in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches. Take heed that your words be purged from idle fancies and worldly desires and your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and suspicion. Dissipate not the wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt affection, nor let your endeavors be spent in promoting your personal interest. Bestow in your days of plenty, be patient in the hour of loss.”

“Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 138)

“Service in love for mankind is unity with God.”

(`Abdu’l-Baha; “The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, p. 186)

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You are welcome to visit the recent posts on my two other blogs—English and bilingual—below:

Inked ThinkPenhttp://inkedthinkpen.blogspot.ca/
Timeless Treasures: Words with Meanings
http://timelesstreasureswordswithmeanings.blogspot.ca/