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
Is it easy to love God' asks an old author. 'It is easy,' he replies, 'to those who do it.' I have included two Graces under the word Charity. But God can give a third. He can awake in man, towards Himself, a supernatural Appreciative love. This is of all gifts the most to be desired. Here, not in our natural loves, nor even in ethics, lies the true centre of all human and angelic life. With this all things are possible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Loving God may seem difficult, but it becomes easy through a divine gift of love.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that true love for God is not merely a natural inclination but a supernatural gift that transforms the heart. This divine love is at the core of existence for both humans and angels, empowering us to navigate life with a deep appreciation and capability for all things.
Themes
LoveGodCharitySupernaturalAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a sermon to illustrate the divine aspect of love.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes →I 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.
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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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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
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