While reading about him it was mentioned that he, himself, wrote some books. I decided to check one out at the library titled "Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community".
According to the back cover this work is Bonhoeffer's "account of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years in Germany".
As I began reading it, even the first pages gripped me.
(underlining for emphasis mine)
"It is not simply to be taken for granted that the Christian has the privilege of living among other Christians...
It is by the grace of God that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly in this world to share God's Word and sacrament. Not all Christians receive this blessing. The imprisoned, the sick, the scattered lonely, the proclaimers of the Gospel in heathen lands stand alone. They know that visible fellowship is a blessing...
It is true, of course, that what is an unspeakable gift of God for the lonely individual is easily disregarded and trodden under foot by those who have the gift every day. It is easily forgotten that the fellowship of Christian brethren is a gift of grace, a gift of the Kingdom of God that any day may be taken from us, that the time that still separates us from utter loneliness may be brief indeed.
Therefore, let him who until now has had the privilege of living a common Christian life with other Christians praise God's grace from the bottom of his heart. Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren..." ~~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Church.
Community.
Grace...
That is beautiful Donnetta. And I am one who has often taken it for granted. Thank you so much for posting this. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you for this spirual thoughts. Long ago I read about Bonhoeffer. It was so impressive. ( it was een autobigraphy)
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful truth Donnetta.
ReplyDeleteI had you on my heart today, so thought I'd stop by and just ask how you're doing. I've been a sort of "delinquent" blogger these days and haven't been keeping up with dear friends the way I should.
Praying all is well and sending love,
Linda
Me too, Christine. One who has often taken it for granted. Me too... I have had a different view these last few weeks. Definitely one of more gratitude and grace!
ReplyDeleteI am also finding his life story to be impressive, challenging, and encouraging all at the same time!
ReplyDeleteSo delighted that you stopped by! We're doing well. Busy....
ReplyDeleteNo worries about not having been by more. It seems we've all been in busy seasons. I completely understand! Just always a treat to have you when you can! Sending love and hugs back your way as well!
This sounds so fitting with what our small group is studying about wisdom in Proverbs -- that it's something to be studied in community, sharing ideas and insights and experience that enhance not only knowledge but growing in wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have been recently reminded that we are to grow... in community. Seems maybe we are learning similar things lately.
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