Deepen Your Faith: A Reflection Guide Inspired by Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life was a remarkable example of what it means to live a faith that goes beyond words. His courageous stand against the Nazi regime shows us how belief in Christ compels us to act, love radically, and pursue justice. After you watch Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin., use this guide to reflect on what his story means for your own faith journey.

Faith That Moves Us
Scripture: James 2:14-17 – “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Bonhoeffer believed that faith wasn’t just something you profess; it was something you live. He couldn’t stand by while injustice prevailed. Instead, he actively opposed Hitler, helping form the Confessing Church and speaking out against evil, even when it cost him dearly.

James tells us that real faith produces action. Bonhoeffer’s life challenges us to ask: What is our faith moving us to do? Are we living as Jesus would in our homes, communities, and workplaces?

Pause and Reflect: How can you turn your belief into action this week?

Seeking Justice with Courage
Scripture: Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Bonhoeffer’s time in New York shaped his understanding of justice. He was inspired by the African American church’s fight against racism and drew parallels to his own resistance to Nazism. He believed that Christians are called to stand up for the oppressed, no matter the cost.

Justice isn’t an abstract idea; it’s a command. Acting justly and loving mercy means engaging with the brokenness around us and doing something about it.

Pause and Reflect: Where do you see injustice in your community, and how can you respond?

Loving the Least of These
Scripture: Matthew 25:35-40 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

For Bonhoeffer, love wasn’t just a feeling—it was action. He put himself at great risk to save others, believing that loving "the least of these" was central to following Jesus.

Jesus identifies with the vulnerable and the suffering, calling us to care for them as if we were caring for Him. Bonhoeffer lived this out by standing for those persecuted under the Nazi regime, even when it meant losing his own freedom.

Pause and Reflect: Who in your life is in need of love and care today?

The Cost of Discipleship
Scripture: Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Bonhoeffer famously wrote, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” For him, this wasn’t just metaphorical. He knew that following Jesus might cost him his life, yet he remained faithful.

Discipleship isn’t always comfortable or safe. It means stepping into the hard places, sacrificing our comfort, and trusting God with the outcome.

Pause and Reflect: What is God asking you to let go of to follow Him more fully?

Light in the Darkness
Scripture: John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Bonhoeffer’s faith was a beacon in one of the darkest periods of history. He believed that no matter how bleak things looked, God’s light could never be extinguished.

Even in our darkest moments, we are called to reflect God’s light. Like Bonhoeffer, we can trust that God is working, even when we can’t see it.

Pause and Reflect: How can you bring God’s light into a difficult situation in your life?

Bonhoeffer’s story is more than history; it’s a call to action. His life challenges us to put our faith into motion, love courageously, and seek justice. After watching Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin., let his example inspire you to step boldly into the life God is calling you to live.

Challenge: What will you do this week to live a faith that acts?