"The object of God's teaching to man is that man may know himself in order to comprehend the greatness of God.”

The object of God's teaching to man is that man may know himself in order to comprehend the greatness of God. The Word of God is for agreement and concord… We do not consider anyone a stranger, for it is said by Bahá'u'lláh 'Ye are all the rays of one sun; the fruits of one tree; and the leaves of one branch.' We desire the true brotherhood of humanity. This shall be so, and it has already begun. Praise to be God, the Helper, the Pardoner! (‘Abdu'l-Baha, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’)

Loving God and submitting our will to His Will

When men are developed spiritually they obey God... The true believer is the one who follows the Manifestation of God in all things. ... The Manifestation of God is a perfect example of real obedience. Like Him we must sacrifice everything, every plan, every longing and ideal must be given up completely to the Will of God. We must look to God for all we desire, all we attain. Real obedience and real sacrifice are identical -- absolute readiness to follow and perform whatever you are called upon to do in the Cause of God. When you really love God you will be willing to sacrifice everything and submit yourself entirely to His Will. His Will is everything; His service paramount. ... If each human creature had his own will and way, spiritual development would be impossible.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. 25, no. 11, February 1935)

"There is no greater pleasure than to study God's Word with a spiritual mind."

Another asked why the teachings of all religions are expressed largely by parables and metaphors and not in the plain language of the people.

'Abdu'l-Bahá replied: -- "Divine things are too deep to be expressed by common words. The heavenly teachings are expressed in parable in order to be understood and preserved for ages to come. When the spiritually minded dive deeply into the ocean of their meaning they bring to the surface the pearls of their inner significance. There is no greater pleasure than to study God's Word with a spiritual mind." (‘Abdu'l-Baha, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’)