To endure the cross is not tragedy; it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ

To endure the cross is not tragedy; it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor, is perhaps best known for his resistance to the Nazi regime during World War II. He was a vocal critic of Hitler and the atrocities committed by the Nazis, and he ultimately paid the ultimate price for his beliefs, being executed in a concentration camp in 1945. Throughout his life, Bonhoeffer grappled with the concept of suffering and the role it played in his faith.

The quote, “To endure the cross is not tragedy; it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ,” reflects Bonhoeffer’s understanding of the Christian faith and the sacrifices that come with following Christ. For Bonhoeffer, suffering was not something to be avoided or feared, but rather embraced as a necessary part of discipleship. He believed that true allegiance to Jesus Christ required a willingness to endure hardship and persecution, even to the point of death.

Bonhoeffer’s own life exemplified this belief. He was willing to risk everything – his reputation, his freedom, and ultimately his life – in order to stand up for what he believed was right. He was arrested and imprisoned for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler, and he faced constant threats and intimidation from the Nazi regime. Despite the suffering he endured, Bonhoeffer remained steadfast in his faith and his commitment to following Christ.

In his book, “The Cost of Discipleship,” Bonhoeffer writes about the importance of taking up one’s cross and following Jesus, even when it means facing persecution and suffering. He argues that true discipleship requires a radical obedience to Christ, even when it goes against the norms and expectations of society. Bonhoeffer’s own life and death serve as a powerful example of this kind of radical obedience, and his words continue to challenge and inspire Christians to this day.