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
September 06,2026
- Eberhard ArnoldWe testify to the church of Christ as an embassy of God’s future state. Therefore the church of Christ should represent today what God’s kingdom will be. The Apostle Paul says, “The kingdom of God is today, here and now, and it is justice, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is the element of the great future. For this reason the church receives the Holy Spirit, not in order to figure out for itself a timetable for God’s kingdom, but in order to let life be directed by the Spirit, through perfect love.
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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