And we simply cannot be constant with the fact that Godโs cause is not always the successful one, that we really could be โunsuccessfulโ; and yet be on the right road. But this is where we find out whether we have begun in faith or in a burst of enthusiasm.
Dietrich BonhoefferThe first call which every Christian experiences is the call to abandon the attachments of this world.
Dietrich BonhoefferThere is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared. It is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God's commandment. Wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of almighty God. Not trying to direct it for selfish purposes. Battles are won not with weapons, but with God. They are won when the way leads to the cross.
Dietrich BonhoefferMany people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking where they should be listening.
Dietrich BonhoefferIt is God's earth out of which man is taken. From it he has his body. His body belongs to his essential being. Man's body is not his prison, his shell his exterior, but man himself. Man does not "have" a body; he does not "have" a soul; rather he "is" body and soul. Man in the beginning is really his body. He is one. He is his body, as Christ is completely his body, as the Church is the body of Christ
Dietrich BonhoefferWe do Godโs work for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them. So often Christians, especially preachers, think that their only service is always to have to 'offer' something when they are together with other people. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking. Many people seek a sympathetic ear and do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking even when they should be listening.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer