Book Discussion

We are each such individuals--as seen by this picture (hey--every opportunity I take for looking at this kiddo) I like how Bonhoeffer discusses this fact and its relation to the ministry of bearing: "It is, first of all, the freedom of the other person, of which we spoke earlier, that is a burden to the Christian. The other's freedom collides with his own autonomy, yet he must recognize it. He could get rid of this burden by refusing the other person his freedom, by constraining him and thus doing violence to his personality, by stamping his own image upon him. But if he lets God create His image in him, he by this token gives him his freedom and himself bears the burden of this freedom of another creature of God. The freedom of the other person includes all that we mean by a person's nature, individuality, endowment. It also includes his weaknesses and oddities, which are such a trial to our patience, everything that produces frictions, conflicts, and collisions among us. To bear the burden of the other person means involvement with the created reality of the other, to accept and affirm it, and in bearing with it, to break through to the point where we take joy in it."

God has given such a variety of people and we need to let God create His image in the person--yes we are all made in His image--but there is much more here as we continue to be sanctified by God---being made like Christ. We really do need to bless God for all the infinite variety He has created--not only in all of nature, but in individuals. How wonderful this is--and how UN-boring it is ;-)----how amazing that we all reflect His glory in unique ways!!