What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God

What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God

Hans Urs von Balthasar, a Swiss theologian and Catholic priest, is known for his profound insights into the relationship between God and humanity. One of his most famous quotes is, “What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” This statement encapsulates Balthasar's belief in the importance of both recognizing the inherent value of each individual as a creation of God, and the responsibility to cultivate and develop one's gifts and talents in service to God.

Balthasar believed that every person is a unique and irreplaceable creation of God, endowed with specific gifts, talents, and qualities that are meant to be used for the greater glory of God. He saw each individual as a reflection of God's love and creativity, and believed that it is through embracing and developing these gifts that one can truly fulfill their purpose and potential in life.

At the same time, Balthasar emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and agency in the process of becoming who God intended each person to be. He believed that it is not enough to simply receive the gifts that God has given, but that one must actively work to cultivate and develop those gifts in order to bring them to fruition. This process of self-discovery and self-actualization is seen as a form of worship and service to God, as it allows individuals to fully express and share the unique gifts that they have been given.