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In the New Testament our enemies are those who harbor…

“In the New Testament our enemies are those who harbor hostility against us, not those against whom we cherish hostility, for Jesus refuses to reckon with such a possibility.” quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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“In the New Testament our enemies are those who harbor hostility against us, not those against whom we cherish hostility, for Jesus refuses to reckon with such a possibility.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True enemies are those who harbor hostility toward us, not those we despise; Jesus rejects reciprocating hatred.

In simple terms: Enemies are hostile toward us, not those we hate; Jesus rejects hatred.

Key Takeaway

Practice forgiveness over retaliation.

Themes

religion ethics forgiveness enemy spirituality

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

spiritual ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal conflict
  • interfaith dialogue
  • social justice
  • peacebuilding

Key Concepts

Christian theology nonviolence moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you love your enemy?
  • What limits forgiveness?
A Different Perspective

Forgiveness may be difficult when harm is severe.

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