Christianity Quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
![“[...]we must ask ourselves whether we have not often been deceiving ourselves with our confession of sin to God, whether we have not rather been confessing our sins to ourselves and also granting ourselves absolution. And is not the reason perhaps for our countless relapses and the feebleness of…” quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b3/dietrich-bonhoeffer-303_christianity_we-must-ask-ourselves-whether-we-have-no_3017382.jpg)
““[...]we must ask ourselves whether we have not often been deceiving ourselves with our confession of sin to God, whether we have not rather been confessing our sins to ourselves and also granting ourselves absolution. And is not the reason perhaps for our countless relapses and the feebleness of our Christian obedience to be found precisely in the fact that we are living on self-forgiveness and not a real forgiveness.””
About This Quote
Source The: The Cost of Discipleship, 1937
Self‑forgiveness replaces true forgiveness, leading to moral weakness and repeated sin.
In simple terms: Self‑forgiveness weakens true forgiveness.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic forgiveness rather than self‑pardon.
Themes
theology
morality
self‑reflection
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Confessional practices
- ethical counseling
- personal repentance
Key Concepts
Grace
spiritual integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does true forgiveness differ from self‑forgiveness?
- What practices foster genuine repentance?
A Different Perspective
Self‑forgiveness can become an excuse for complacency.
