In the hour of death, when to the grateful person his whole life appears as grace, the ungrateful person knows nothing but to complain of lack; the paths were too rocky, and in ingratitude the heart grew cold, and since it was broken by ingratitude, it remains dead and lies in ingratitude.

— Hermann von Bezzel (1861–1917), Theologe

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Grief & Comfort

Hermann von Bezzel

Hermann von Bezzel war ein deutscher lutherischer Theologe, der ab 1891 die Diakonissenanstalt Neuendettelsau leitete und von 1909 bis 1917 an der Spitze der bayerischen Landeskirche stand. Er vertrat eine schrift- und bekenntnistreue Kreuzestheologie des dienenden Handelns, fiel bei Beginn des Ersten Weltkriegs 1914 jedoch auch durch zeitgebundenen patriotischen Überschwang und Kriegsaufrufe auf. Heutigen Bibellesern begegnet er vor allem durch geistliche Aphorismen zu Gebet, Trost und praktischer Nachfolge.

All quotes by Hermann von Bezzel (32)

More on this topic

When you see a child, you catch God in the act.

Martin Luther

I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.

Gertrud von le Fort

Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.

Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

Augustine of Hippo

For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.

Dag Hammarskjöld

The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.

Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.

Frederick Buechner

All quotes · lumen.bible