Quotes from Brennan Manning

The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust - not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.

Childlike surrender and trust, I believe, is the defining spirit of authentic discipleship.

The spirituality of wonder knows the world is charged with grace, that while sin and war, disease and death are terribly real, God's loving presence and power in our midst are even more real.

I believe that the real difference in the American church is not between conservatives and liberals, fundamentalists and charismatics, nor between Republicans and Democrats. The real difference is between the aware and the unaware.

In every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.

When a man or woman is truly honest, it is virtually impossible to insult them personally.

God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be.

By and large, the gospel of grace is neither proclaimed, understood, nor lived.

The men and women who are truly filled with light are those who have gazed deeply into the darkness of their own imperfect existence.

To lend each other a hand when we're falling, perhaps that's the only work that matters in the end.

My trust in God flows out of the experience of his loving me, day in and day out, whether the day is stormy or fair, whether I'm sick or in good health, whether I'm in a state of grace or disgrace. He comes to me where I live and loves me as I am.

The secret of the mystery is: God is always greater. No matter how great we think Him to be, His love is always greater.

Only reckless confidence in a Source greater than ourselves can empower us to forgive the woulds inflicted by others.

Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.

Today on planet Earth, may you experience the wonder and beauty of yourself as Abba's Child and temple of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ

Faithfulness requires the courage to risk everything on Jesus, the willingness to keep growing, and the readiness to risk failure throughout our lives.

The way you are with others every day, regardless of their status, is the true test of faith.

Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.

False gods - the gods of human understanding - despise sinners, but the Father of Jesus loves all, no matter what they do. But of course this is almost too incredible for us to accept.