Fruit is always the miraculous, the created; it is never the result of willing, but always a growth. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of God, and only He can produce it. They who bear it know as little about it as the tree knows of its fruit. They know only the power of Him on whom their life depends
Dietrich BonhoefferThe word of cheap grace has been the ruin of more Christians than any commandment of works.
Dietrich BonhoefferTo be sure, God shall call you, and us, only at the hour that God has chosen. Until that hour, which lies in God's hand alone, we shall be protected even in the greatest danger; and from our gratitude for such protection ever new readiness surely arises for the final call
Dietrich BonhoefferJesus himself did not try to convert the two thieves on the cross; he waited until one of them turned to him.
Dietrich BonhoefferWhen a man really gives up trying to make something out of himself - a saint, or a converted sinner, or a churchman (a so-called clerical somebody), a righteous or unrighteous man,...and throws himself into the arms of God...then he wakes with Christ in Gethsemane. That is faith, that is metanoia and it is thus that he becomes a man and Christian.
Dietrich BonhoefferIt is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren.
Dietrich BonhoefferWhen one person is struck by the Word, he speaks it to others. God has willed that we should seek and find His living Word in the witness of a brother, in the mouth of man. Therefore, the Christian needs another Christian who speaks Godโs Word to him. The Christ in his own heart is weaker than the Christ in the word of his brother; his own heart is uncertain, his brotherโs is sure.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer