Love manifests its reality in deeds, not only in words—these
alone are without effect. In order that love may manifest its power there must
be an object, an instrument, a motive.
There are many ways of expressing the love principle; there
is love for the family, for the country, for the race, there is political
enthusiasm, there is also the love of community of interest in service. These
are all ways and means of showing the power of love. Without any such means,
love would be unseen, unheard, unfelt—altogether unexpressed, unmanifested!...
it is necessary to have an instrument, a motive for love’s manifestation, an
object, a mode of expression.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, Paris, October 24,
1911, ‘Paris Talks’)
O ye beloved of the Lord! Commit not that which defileth the
limpid stream of love or destroyeth the sweet fragrance of friendship. By the
righteousness of the Lord! Ye were created to show love one to another and not
perversity and rancour. Take pride not in love for yourselves but in love for
your fellow-creatures. Glory not in love for your country, but in love for all
mankind.
Love is the cause of God's revelation unto man, the vital
bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of
things. 
Love is heaven's kindly light, the Holy Spirit's eternal
breath that vivifieth the human soul. 
Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God's
holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of
spiritual outpourings. 
By the Day-Star of ancient mysteries! The sweet-scented
fragrance of every breath breathed in the love of God is wafted in the court of
the presence of the Lord of Revelation. 
O Son of Being! Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou
lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant.