Overcoming the World

Bonn 7:26 pm

Dearest friends,

Today I had a certain out-of-body experience during class. While sitting silently and listening to the typical banter in the classroom I became suddenly aware of the haughty remarks, the insincere laughs, the fake smiles and the underlying selfishness of the people I have been forced to spend my last month with. It is something I have always noticed, but it has not been until today that I felt disgusted and almost angry with the company I have had to endure. Foreign to my typical calmness, I experienced the desire to yell at each of them condemning their selfishness and questioning their maturity. "How can you people be so disillusioned that the cravings of sinful man can satisfy you?" I thought. So I left and went on a walk and was reminded of a few things (from 1 John).

First that those around us are led by others whose viewpoints are stuck in the world. They do not have the counsel of the One who is in us, who is greater than the one who is in the world. They act exactly how depraved man should due to the sin which entangles us all.

Also the fact that because we are born of God and are his children, we have overcome this grasp of the world. This puts us in a position to love, not to distance ourselves from those who are lost in the darkness of being apart from God.

Being in the company of only two genuine believers here, with whom my relationship is still in infancy, has led me to rely thoroughly on our God for peace and guidance. It has been a sweet time being here alone with only God as my comfort, but I grow ever eager to see you again.


Here is the garden inside the courtyard of the cathedral of Bonn I have had the privilege of discovering. It has been a great place to meet God in the seclusion and protection of the high cathedral walls.

Having a fantastic time here! Germany is beautiful everywhere, I wish you all could see it with me,
Thomas