Quote of the Day

(Matt. 5:28-42) This saying of Christ removes the Church from the sphere of politics and law.  The Church is not to be a national community like the old Israel, but a community of believers without political or national ties.  The old Israel had been both - the chosen people of God and a national community, and it was therefore his will that they should meet force with force.  But with Church it is different: it has abandoned political and national status, and therefore it must patiently endure aggression……At this point it becomes evident that when a Christian meets with injustice, he no longer clings to his rights and defends them at all costs.  He is absolutely free from possessions and bound to Christ alone.  Again, his witness to this exclusive adherence to Jesus creates the only workable basis for fellowship, and leaves the aggressor for him to deal with……By his willingly renouncing self-defense, the Christian affirms his absolute adherence to Jesus, and his freedom from the tyranny of his own ego.  

 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer