Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community

Bonhoeffer starts his chapter on Christian ministry by exploring what he describes as the natural tendency of people, when they find themselves in groups, to determine which person among them is the greatest. He warns that this thinking has the power to destroy a community and advises curbing it. 

In “The Ministry of Holding One’s Tongue” (91), Bonhoeffer discusses the importance of refraining from speaking against others, writing, “But to speak about a brother covertly is forbidden, even under the cloak of help and good will; for it is precisely in this guise that the spirit of hatred among brothers always creeps in” (91-92). The Christian should keep unkind thoughts to themselves, with the exception of the act of confession. Bonhoeffer reminds readers there is only one who can judge: God. He writes that humans can’t always see God’s purpose for someone but that they should trust that it’s there. Christians should then aim to see others as God sees them—as equals. All of the members are necessary for the community to function, and to flourish.

In “The Ministry of Meekness” (94), Bonhoeffer identifies two primary facets of the practice: learning to think of oneself less and learning to think of others more. These, Bonhoeffer writes, are both possible through the salvation of Jesus Christ, as the ministry of meekness calls people to acknowledge the limitations of their own wisdom and the infinite wisdom of Christ. By diminishing one’s ego, one is much more inclined to see the needs of one’s neighbors and is much more willing to help, even at the expense of one’s own plans or happiness.

Bonhoeffer adds that it is crucial that Christians are willing to accept their own status as sinners before God on equal footing with all other sinners. He writes, “If my sinfulness appears to me to be in any way smaller or less detestable in comparison with the sins of others, I am still not recognizing my sinfulness at all” (96). Christians must humbly admit that all are sinners before God and that there is no way to measure who is better or worse, for such measures are irrelevant. Only then can they serve others with honest and humble hearts.

In “The Ministry of Listening” (97), Bonhoeffer writes, “Just as to love God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them” (97). Listening, Bonhoeffer argues, is sometimes more important than speaking. Christians must learn to exhibit patience and presence when listening to others and must refrain from inserting themselves unnecessarily into the conversation. Likewise, Christians must be ready and willing to spend time with one another to listen to each other. Bonhoeffer writes that one should not value one’s time so much that one feels it is a burden to listen to another member of the community. Finally, listening imitates God’s willingness to listen to the prayers of His people.

In “The Ministry of Helpfulness” (99), Bonhoeffer explains that Christians are also called to the discipline of helpfulness, which requires humility. One cannot be fully helpful if one thinks one’s time is more valuable than one’s neighbor’s or that certain, seemingly trivial tasks are beneath one. Bonhoeffer writes, “Only where hands are not too good for deeds of love and mercy in everyday helpfulness can the mouth joyfully and convincingly proclaim the message of God’s love and mercy” (100). Although some helpful tasks may seem meaningless, they can mean the world to the person who is being helped, and they demonstrate the patience and humility that are attributes of God’s love.

In “The Ministry of Bearing” (100), Bonhoeffer uses a verse from the Bible to introduce what he calls the ministry of bearing: “‘Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ’ (Gal: 62). Thus the law of Christ is a law of bearing” (100). Bearing one another’s burdens is, in essence, taking on another person’s problems as one’s own, caring about their problems, and providing what they need: helpfulness, a listening ear, or words of encouragement. Bonhoeffer writes that Christians are called to this because Jesus bore the burdens of all humankind when he died on the cross.

Bonhoeffer adds that this can be particularly difficult for members of the community who have varying strengths. He warns that “[t]he weak must not judge the strong, the strong must not despise the weak. The weak must guard against pride, the strong against indifference” (102). Christians should not judge each other or use the bearing of burdens as an excuse to offer unwarranted, pious advice. Instead, they should view bearing each other’s burdens as a privilege and a joy. Empathy for others, and the willingness to feel the pain, fear, or shame alongside one’s neighbors is one of the greatest services possible and one of the best examples of Christ-like love.

In “The Ministry of Proclaiming” (103), Bonhoeffer explains that there are many potential pitfalls in the call to speak God’s Word to a fellow Christian. First, if the person who is speaking is not willing to listen or practice helpfulness, their words will likely be useless. Second, a person who is a patient listener might feel that mere words will fail. Finally, a person may have doubts about whether they are worthy of speaking God’s Word to someone else or worry about coming across as judgmental of their fellow Christians.

However, Bonhoeffer writes that there will come a time when all Christians must speak about God to others and that it is good for them to be willing to have these conversations together. He goes even further to say, “It is unchristian consciously to deprive another of the one decisive service we can render” (105). Christians must dispel any doubts they have about proclaiming and be willing to speak, without judgment, the wisdom God has shown them. They should not fear not having the right words, for God will guide them to say what the other person needs to hear most.

In “The Ministry of Authority” (108), Bonhoeffer touches on the idea of spiritual authority. He writes, “Genuine spiritual authority is to be found only where the ministry of hearing, helping, bearing, and proclaiming is carried out” (108). These qualities make up a strong spiritual leader—one who is humble and faithful and does not abuse the power over the community that has been given to them. A true leader knows that all Christians ultimately answer to Jesus Christ and that they are but a human figure to guide the community on Earth. Once spiritual discipline, patience, and humility are part of a person’s everyday practice, they will have proven themselves ready to lead.