A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
C. S. LewisRead
The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
God's love is the source of our goodness, not the result of it.
This quote by C. S. Lewis emphasizes the unconditional nature of God's love, suggesting that it is not our moral behavior that earns God's affection, but rather God's love that transforms us into better individuals. It presents a profound perspective on grace, highlighting the belief that true goodness comes from being loved, rather than striving for goodness to earn love.
Themes
LoveGraceGoodnessFaithTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about unconditional love, this quote can illustrate how divine love fosters our moral growth.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes βI enjoyed my breakfast this morning, and I think that was a good thing and do not think it was condemned by God. But I do not think myself a good man for enjoying it.
C. S. LewisRead
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
C. S. LewisRead
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
C. S. LewisRead
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
C. S. LewisRead
The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
C. S. LewisRead
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Even if my fellow man has proven faithless time after time, I can at least retain a hope that he will improve, pray for him, and think kindly without frustration and disappointment.
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