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Now each stands in
Christ’s place. In the presence of another Christian I no longer need
to pretend. In another Christian’s presence, I am permitted to be the
sinner that I am, for there alone in all the world the truth and mercy
of Jesus Christ rule. Christ became our brother in order to help us;
through Christ, other Christians have become Christ for us in the power
and authority of Christ’s commandment. Other Christians stand before us
as the sign of God’s truth and grace. They have been given to us to
help us. Another Christian hears our confession of sin in Christ’s
place, forgives our sins in Christ’s name. Another Christian keeps the
secret of our confession as God keeps it. When I go to another believer
to confess, I am going to God. Thus the call within the Christian
community to mutual confession and forgiveness goes out as a call to the
great grace of God in the congregation.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer from “Life Together” |
