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3. Teaching
One who has fallen in love with Baha’u lah and been blessed with the guidance and inspiration found in His Writings will naturally want to share this gift with others. Teaching others about the Faith is both a privilege and a duty: ‘‘Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Baha, for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds.’’?
In the past, ministers—who were often the only people able to read holy books—studied scriptures and did most of the teaching. Now there is a new way of spreading the knowledge of His Cause. Since most people around the world can learn to read and write and can think for themselves, ministers are no longer needed. Instead each Baha'i has the responsibility of studying the Writings himself and teaching the Faith to others.
There are several ways of teaching. Each Baha’i can try to
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live a life which reflects the Word of God given by Baha’u’Ilah. His deeds and actions will then testify to the spiritual power of the Faith. Each Baha’i can invite his friends and neighbors to his home to hear about God’s latest Messenger. Baha’u’llah says that guiding one’s neighbors to the law of God excells all other acts. He also promises that all who arise to teach will be aided: ‘“‘Whoso openeth his lips in this Day and maketh mention of the name of his Lord, the hosts of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of My name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.’’®
It is important to share the knowledge of Baha’u’llah with everyone. God has prepared every heart to receive this Mes- sage. No Baha’i can decide who is worthy of knowing about the Faith and who is not. One should teach for the sake of God alone. He should also accept whatever response his words may call forth from his hearer in this same spirit. Each individual must decide for himself whether to accept the Message of Baha'u'llah. No one can force another to become a Bahda’i.
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After one has presented the teachings as clearly as possible, the decision must be left between the seeker and God.
