Of the Wonderful Power of the Divine Love
The work explores the profound nature of divine love, emphasizing its transformative power and essential role in the spiritual life. It begins with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God, acknowledging His mercy and comfort. The author reflects on the necessity of divine assistance in overcoming personal weaknesses and imperfections in love and virtue. Love is portrayed as the highest good, capable of lightening burdens and sweetening life's challenges. It inspires individuals to strive for greater perfection and to rise above worldly distractions. The text asserts that true love is unbounded, selfless, and focused on the divine rather than material gifts. It describes love as a dynamic force that empowers individuals to act joyfully and freely, transcending limitations and fears. The author emphasizes that love is vigilant and enduring, remaining steadfast even in adversity. It is characterized by a deep, fervent longing for God, which resonates in the soul's cry for union with the divine. The text calls for an expansion of love within the heart, encouraging a deeper appreciation for its sweetness and a commitment to loving God above all else. Love is depicted as multifaceted—swift, sincere, gentle, strong, and patient. It is humble and obedient, recognizing the importance of submission to authority and maintaining a devout attitude towards God. The work stresses that true love requires a willingness to endure suffering and to align oneself with the will of the Beloved, asserting that those who cannot embrace hardship for love's sake are unworthy of divine affection. Ultimately, the text serves as a meditation on the nature of divine love, urging readers to cultivate a profound and selfless love that reflects the divine essence, leading to spiritual fulfillment and a closer relationship with God.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Religious/Spiritual, Philosophical, Devotional · 946 words
First lines
I bless Thee, O Heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for that Thou hast vouchsafed to think of me, poor that I am. "O Father of Mercies and God of all comfort,"52 I give thanks unto Thee, who refreshest me sometimes with thine own comfort, when I am unworthy of any comfort. I bless and glorify Thee continually, with thine only begotten Son and the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete, forever and ever. O Lord God, Holy lover of my soul, when Thou shalt come into my heart, all my inward parts shall rejoice. Thou art my glory and the joy of my heart. Thou art my hope and my refuge in the day of my trouble.
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Of the Wonderful Power of the Divine Love is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1654 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1654 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious/Spiritual, Philosophical, Devotional, Theological, Mystical
- Length: 946 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious/Spiritual — The text focuses on divine love, spiritual growth, and the relationship between the believer and God.
- Philosophical — It explores deep themes of love, virtue, and the nature of the soul, prompting reflection on moral and existential questions.
- Devotional — The work serves as a guide for personal devotion and spiritual practice, emphasizing prayer and love for God.
- Theological — It discusses concepts of divine love and grace, contributing to theological discourse.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Meditation · Devotional · Philosophy · Theology · Faith · Love · Divine · God · Religion · Spiritual Growth
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis