Jesus himself did not try to convert the two thieves on the cross; he waited until one of them turned to him. Dietrich Bonhoeffer More Quotes by Dietrich Bonhoeffer More Quotes From Dietrich Bonhoeffer We do God’s 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 brotherchristianthinking The deep meaning of the cross of Christ is that there is no suffering on earth that is not borne by God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer sufferingearthchrist Not until one person desires to keep his own bread for himself does hunger ensue. Dietrich Bonhoeffer breaddoedesire A father acts on behalf of his children by working, providing, intervening, struggling, and suffering for them. In so doing, he really stands in their place. He is not an isolated individual, but incorporates the selves of several people in his own self. Dietrich Bonhoeffer strugglefatherchildren The church has an unconditional obligation to the victims of any ordering society, even if they do not belong to the Christian community. Dietrich Bonhoeffer communitychurchchristian Who can really be faithful in great things if he has not learned to be faithful in the things of daily life? Dietrich Bonhoeffer faithfuldaily-lifegreat-things Only those who put tomorrow completely into God's hand and receive fully today what they need for their lives are really secure. Dietrich Bonhoeffer lifehandsneeds It is from God that parents receive their children, and it is to God that they should lead them. Dietrich Bonhoeffer parentshouldchildren I believe that God both wills and is able to bring good out of everything, even the worst... I believe that even our mistakes and wrongdoing are not fruitless. Dietrich Bonhoeffer ablemistakebelieve The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation. Dietrich Bonhoeffer isolatedsinpersons There 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 Bonhoeffer selfishdestinymean Why do Christians sing when they are together? The reason is, quite simply, because in singing together it is possible for them to speak and pray the same Word at the same time; in other words, because here they can unite in the Word. Dietrich Bonhoeffer singingchristiantogether The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children. Dietrich Bonhoeffer successhappinesslife Good Friday and Easter free us to think about other things far beyond our own personal fate, about the ultimate meaning of all life, suffering, and events; and we lay hold of a great hope. Dietrich Bonhoeffer fatefridayeaster time is the most valuable thing that we have, because it is the most irrevocable. Dietrich Bonhoeffer valuable-thingsirrevocablevaluable I need the Christ that is in you, and you need the Christ that is in me. Dietrich Bonhoeffer needschrist Jesus calls men, not to a new religion, but to life. Dietrich Bonhoeffer call-memenjesus Faith without works is not faith at all, but a simple lack of obedience to God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer obedience-to-godobediencesimple A pastor should never complain about his congregation, certainly never to other people, but also not to God. A congregation has not been entrusted to him in order that he should become its accuser before God and men. Dietrich Bonhoeffer menorderpeople Once a man has truly experienced the mercy of God in his life he will henceforth aspire only to serve. Dietrich Bonhoeffer mercy-of-godmercymen
