Skip to content

The first service that one owes to others in the…

“The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us…” quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Download Open image
““The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear. So it is His work that we do for our brother and sister when we learn to listen to them.””

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.

Listening to others is a fundamental act of love, mirroring how we receive divine word, and it builds genuine fellowship.

In simple terms: Listening is a key act of love.

Key Takeaway

Practice active listening in relationships.

Themes

faith community listening love

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

spiritual inspirational

When to use this quote

  • church groups
  • counseling sessions
  • friendship circles
  • team meetings

Key Concepts

theology psychology communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • What barriers prevent you from truly listening?
  • How does listening change your perception of others?
A Different Perspective

Listening alone does not resolve deeper misunderstandings without empathy.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Explore all 711 Dietrich Bonhoeffer quotes

More Brethren quotes

Browse all 298 Brethren quotes