“O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this; possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart…” 

Kindness

Kindness is a critical device in the building of a peaceful and united world.

“O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this; possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart…” Baha’u’llah

By being kind towards each other we mirror God’s Qualities, bring about perfection on this human plane, and therefore draw closer to God. 

We love to see you at all times consorting in amity and concord within the paradise of My good-pleasure, and to inhale from your acts the fragrance of friendliness and unity, of loving-kindness and fellowship. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 315)

“All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.” (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 215)

 “… why should men be unjust and unkind to each other, showing forth that which is contrary to God? As He loves us, why should we entertain animosity and hate? If God did not love all, He would not have created, trained and provided for all. Loving-kindness is the divine policy.”  (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 25)

Kindness means that we recognize that others are fragile--that we have the power to hurt or heal them--and we choose to be healers. 

 “It is incumbent upon everyone to show the utmost love, rectitude of conduct, straightforwardness and sincere kindliness unto all the peoples and kindreds of the world, be they friends or strangers. So intense must be the spirit of love and loving-kindness, that the stranger may find himself a friend, the enemy a true brother, no difference whatsoever existing between them. For universality is of God and all limitations earthly.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 445)

 “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 15)

To be kind requires empathy: we must consciously attune ourselves to the life experience of another being to know what will feel good for them.

“For the attributes of the people of faith are justice and fair-mindedness; forbearance and compassion and generosity; consideration for others; candour, trustworthiness, and loyalty; love and loving-kindness; devotion and determination and humanity. If therefore an individual is truly righteous, he will avail himself of all those means which will attract the hearts of men, and through the attributes of God he will draw them to the straight path of faith and cause them to drink from the river of everlasting life.” (Abdu'l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 55)

“The man who thinks only of himself and is thoughtless of others is undoubtedly inferior to the animal because the animal is not possessed of the reasoning faculty.. Man is he who forgets his own interests for the sake of others. His own comfort he forfeits for the well-being of all. Nay, rather, his own life must he be willing to forfeit for the life of mankind. Such a man is the honour of the world of humanity. Such a man is the glory of the world of mankind. Such a man is the one who wins eternal bliss. Such a man is near to the threshold of God. Such a man is the very manifestation of eternal happiness.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 42)

Kindness does not ask whether it will be repaid. Kindness is to be kind to unkind people as they need it the most.

Instead of repaying like with like, ye should requite opposition with the utmost benevolence and loving-kindness, and on no account attach importance to cruelties and injuries, but rather regard them as the wanton acts of children. For ultimately the radiance of the Kingdom will overwhelm the darkness of the world of being, and the holy, exalted character of your aims will become unmistakably apparent. (Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 154)

“to broaden the outlook of the very narrow-hearted and prejudiced, and to make them listen to a wider teaching, was by showing towards them the greatest kindness and love. The example of our lives was of more value than words.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 72)

“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”