It is our care for the helpless, our practice of lovingkindness, that brands us in the eyes of many of our opponents. “Only look,” they say, “look how they love one another” (they themselves being given over to mutual hatred). “Look how they are prepared to die for one another” (they themselves being readier to kill each other). Thus had this saying become a fact, “Hereby shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
— Tertullian (155–220), Kirchenvater
Related Bible passage: JHN.13.35
Topics: Service & Love of Neighbour, Love, Church & Congregation
Occasions: For Reflection
Tertullian
Tertullian (ca. 155–220) war ein frühchristlicher Schriftsteller und Apologet im nordafrikanischen Karthago. Als Begründer der lateinischen Theologiesprache prägte er fundamentale Begriffe wie die Trinitätsformel, vertrat jedoch zugleich einen kompromisslosen moralischen Rigorismus und schloss sich später dem Montanismus an. Heutigen Bibellesern vermittelt er pointierte Einblicke in das frühe Christentum der Verfolgungszeit, erfordert wegen seiner extremen Positionen jedoch eine differenzierte Lektüre.
If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
Mother Teresa
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
There are two ways to do good: to give and to forgive.
Augustine of Hippo
The world consists of nothing but opportunities for love.
Søren Kierkegaard
We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.
Mother Teresa
The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
Frederick Buechner
Etty Hillesum