Listen to On Loving God Free Audiobook
By Bernard of Clairvaux

Audiobook Summary-

865On Loving God by Bernard of Clairvaux is a classic Christian devotional work that discusses the mystical path of loving God and achieving divine union. Bernard, a Cistercian monk and theologian in the 12th century, delineates the why's and how's a soul must love God, not because of rewards or fear, but solely because He is. He outlines four progressive levels of love: loving oneself for self's sake, loving God for self's sake, loving God for God's sake, and lastly, loving oneself alone for God's sake. Bernard stresses that authentic love commences with God's love for humanity and expands as people are aware of the depths of divine grace and mercy. By this acknowledgment, the soul progressively separates from material desires and gets joined to God's will. The treatise combines Scripture with profound spiritual understanding, providing practical advice and reflective thoughts for all who yearn for a deeper relationship with God. On Loving God continues to be impactful in Christian mysticism and monastic tradition, celebrated for its authenticity, simplicity, and penetrating understanding of the human heart's aspiration for divine love. Its message is straightforward but powerful: the highest satisfaction of the soul does not lie in possession, but in loving God unconditionally and selflessly.