Accustomed Quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“We have become so accustomed to the idea of divine love and of God's coming at Christmas that we no longer feel the shiver of fear that God's coming should arouse in us. We are indifferent to the message, taking only the pleasant and agreeable out of it and forgetting the serious aspect, that the God of the world draws near to the people of our little earth and lays claim to us. The coming of God is truly not only glad tidings, but first of all frightening news for everyone who has a conscience.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cost of Discipleship, 1937
Divine love is often softened into comfort, but true God’s arrival should provoke moral fear and accountability.
In simple terms: God’s coming should awaken conscience, not just comfort.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the challenging, unsettling aspects of faith.
Themes
faith
morality
spiritual urgency
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- sermon preaching
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
theology
existential fear
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears does genuine faith stir in you?
- How can we balance comfort with moral vigilance?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on comfort can dilute the call to moral action.
