We live in poverty and without personal possessions; we do this for love of Christ and for the sake of those who are poorer than we, the very poorest.…Yet this love for the poor cannot be the final thing. It must be surpassed by love to God. Christ says, “You will not always have me with you.” (Matt. 26:11) On the other hand, we must not let our love for God cause us to neglect love to the poor. Out of love to God we should love our neighbor. If you see your brother or sister in need and say, “God will help you,” and give nothing, where is your love to God? (James 2:15–16)
- Eberhard Arnold, September 1934
- Eberhard Arnold, January 1920 From an EssayJustice and love demand that everyone take part in simple practical work with a spade, hatchet, or rake. Everyone should be ready to devote a few hours every day to this practical work; those who have done purely mental work till now will feel its humanizing effect especially. In this way it will be possible for each person’s unique gifts to be kindled. The light that flickers within each heart will then exhibit its once-hidden glow in scholarly research or in music, in expressive words, or in the craftsman’s art in wood, stone, or paint…such work will reveal the joy in life that is in each person. Only death knows idleness and tedium. Where there is life, the mind’s creative will remains alert and comes to expression in the service of the whole.
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The will which lives in the light repels the attacks of the darkness.
- Eberhard Arnold
Christ the coming Lord of the eternal world of light, reveals himself in His wonderful light as the Spirit of His Church.
In Jesus, God’s image appeared with utmost clarity and finality. Henceforth it is from Jesus that man’s calling comes into our hearts. The image of God which He brings us is love.
- Eberhard Arnold