Life Together is an inspiring description of Christians experiencing fellowship with one another in a small group.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s wrote this book describing the life and community of his underground seminary during the Nazi era of Germany.  This pithy book is filled with biblical principles and reveals the benefits of Christians living in community with one another.  Here is a sampling from the book:

The more we received, the more we were able to give; and the more meager our brotherly love, the less were we living by God’s mercy and love. (p. 26)

Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize, it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.  (p. 30)

It is not our heart that determines our course, but God’s Word.  (p. 55)

The prayer of the morning will determine the day.  (p. 71)

Let him who cannot be alone beware of community . . . Let him who is not in community beware of being alone.  (p. 77)

There are three purposes for which the Christian needs a definite time when he can be alone during the day:  Scripture mediation, prayer, and intercession.  (p. 81)

Seek God, not happiness.  (p. 84)

Every Christian community must realize that not only do the weak need the strong, but also that the strong cannot exist without the weak.  (p. 94)

He who would learn to serve must first learn to think little of himself.  (p. 94)

Never think that thou hast made any progress till thou look upon thyself as inferior to all.  (quoting Thomas a Kempis)  (p. 97)

They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking.  (p. 97)

The Church does not need brilliant personalities but faithful servants of Jesus and the brethren.  (p. 109)

The mask you wear before men will do you no good before Him.  He wants to see you as you are, He wants to be gracious to you.  (p. 111)

The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation.  (p. 112)

I trust that brief sampling of quotations will encourage you to read this inspiring book.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a man who lived by his convictions as he chose to remain in Germany during World War Two and just before the end of the war he was martyred because of his convictions.  His life was characterized by this statement,

Als Christus ruft ein Mann, den er befiehlt ihm kommen und sterben.  Translation – When Christ calls a man he bids him come and die.

Bonhoeffer was a man who inspired many by his life and faith.  The writer of the book of Hebrews encourages us in the importance of fellowship as he encourages us,

and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.  (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Are you in a small group where you can do life together?  Don’t miss out on the blessings of fellowship with others.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University