True goodness is not merely impulsive, but rational and considerate – It will therefore pause, and be at some trouble to inquire what service, and how best may it be rendered… Goodness should be willing to give time, and thought, and patience, and even labor; not mere money and kind words and compassionate looks.
— George Bethune (1805–1862), Pastor, Prediger, Kirchenlieddichter und theologischer Schriftsteller
Topics: Service & Love of Neighbour, Wisdom & Understanding
Occasions: For Reflection
George Bethune
George Washington Bethune war ein US-amerikanischer reformierter Pastor, Kanzelredner und Lieddichter des 19. Jahrhunderts, der Gemeinden in Philadelphia und Brooklyn leitete. Bekannt für seine rhetorische Begabung, verfasste er Kirchenlieder sowie Auslegungen zum Heidelberger Katechismus und engagierte sich in der American Colonization Society. Heutigen Bibellesern begegnet er durch Andachtstexte und Hymnen, die eine bildhafte, christuszentrierte Frömmigkeit der reformierten Tradition vermitteln.
All quotes by George Bethune (3)
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