What is a group of families?
A grouping of families are two or more families or individuals, whether they are enrolled Bahá’ís or not, who make a conscious decision to work together for the betterment of society and the realisation of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity. Importantly, they give thought to how every family member can be engaged and actively contribute from the children to youth and adults.
Why families?
We know that families are the building block of society, the family is the environment in which “praiseworthy morals and essential capacities” are developed. These morals and capacities become habits and actions which are then taken with us into every aspect of our lives from work to the social and political life of the country and eventually to the international sphere. By thinking about the whole family we support the spiritual and material advancement of every sphere of life.
Impact of service on the family:
One of the indicators of a healthy family is that it is the home serves as a source of service, upliftment and strength for the community. Abdu’l-Bahá says:
“…make of thy home a centre for the diffusion of the light of divine guidance, for the dissemination of the Words of God and for enkindling at all times the fire of love in the hearts of His faithful servants and maidservants. Know thou of a certainty that every house wherein the anthem of praise is raised to the Realm of Glory in celebration of the Name of God is indeed a heavenly home…”
The Universal House of Justice describes the detrimental impact of excessive attention to family’s own interest. When we focus solely on the needs and interest of our own family we develop in our children an “us and them” mentality that stifles their love for humanity.
Whereas when we consider the needs of our broader community, our friends and neighbours we engender an all embracing love that fosters in each of us desire and qualities that extends from considering the needs of our family, to the sacred obligation of service to our neighbours, to the advancement of our nation, and to the progress of the entire human race as the purpose of our lives.
“The family unit provides an environment within which such lofty and world-embracing principles can be taught and nurtured. It is the matrix in which generation after generation can be reared in the conviction that the well-being of the individual is inextricably bound to the progress and well-being of others.”