That to him who Loveth God is Sweet above all Th
The work explores the profound relationship between the soul and God, emphasizing that true happiness and fulfillment are found solely in divine love. It contrasts the transient pleasures of the world with the eternal joy derived from a deep connection with the Creator. The text asserts that worldly wisdom is ultimately vain, leading to spiritual death, while those who seek God through self-denial and spiritual discipline attain true wisdom and joy. The author reflects on the inner struggle between the flesh and the spirit, acknowledging the persistent presence of the "old man" within, which resists spiritual growth. This conflict creates a longing for divine presence, which is portrayed as the ultimate source of peace and joy. The text calls for divine intervention to overcome the turmoil of the soul and to achieve a state of complete surrender and unity with God. Throughout, the work emphasizes the necessity of grace and wisdom from God to perceive the true sweetness of existence. It highlights the transformative power of divine love, which elevates the soul from the mundane to the eternal. The longing for God is depicted as a driving force, with the promise that fulfillment will come when the soul is fully united with the divine. The narrative is imbued with a sense of urgency and yearning, as the author seeks liberation from worldly distractions and desires. The imagery of light symbolizes divine truth and clarity, contrasting with the darkness of worldly pursuits. The text ultimately serves as a meditation on the nature of true happiness, urging readers to seek God above all else for a life of genuine joy and peace.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1908 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Theology, Devotional · 567 words
First lines
Behold, God is mine, and all things are mine! What will I more, and what more happy thing can I desire? O delightsome and sweet world! that is, to him that loveth the Word, "not the world, neither the things that are in the world. "88 My God, my all! To him that understandeth, that word sufficeth, and to repeat it often is pleasing to him that loveth it. When Thou art present all things are pleasant; when Thou art absent, all things are wearisome. Thou makest the heart to be at rest, givest it deep peace and festal joy. Thou makest it to think rightly in every matter, and in every matter to give Thee praise; neither can anything please long without Thee but if it would be pleasant and of sweet savour, Thy grace must be there, and it is Thy wisdom which must give unto it a sweet savour.
What this Textopian page supports
That to him who Loveth God is Sweet above all Things and in all Things is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Spiritual Literature, Theology, Devotional, Philosophical, Mystical
- Length: 567 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for That to him who Loveth God is Sweet above all Things and in all Things by Thomas à Kempis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering That to him who Loveth God is Sweet above all Things and in all Things?
- How does this essay by Thomas à Kempis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Spiritual Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- That We Must Rest In God Above All Goods And Gifts by Thomas A. Kempis
- That True Solace Is To Be Sought In God Alone by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Pure And Entire Resignation Of Self For The Obtaining Liberty Of Heart by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Fervent Love And Vehement Desire Of Receiving Christ by Thomas A. Kempis
- That Many Good Gifts Are Bestowed Upon Those Who Communicate Devoutly by Thomas A. Kempis
- Against Vain And Worldly Knowledge by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on the relationship between the individual and God, emphasizing spiritual fulfillment and divine love.
- Theology — It explores theological concepts such as the nature of God, wisdom, and the contrast between worldly and divine pleasures.
- Devotional — The work serves as a devotional text, encouraging readers to seek a deeper connection with God and reflect on their spiritual lives.
- Philosophical — It presents philosophical reflections on existence, the nature of happiness, and the pursuit of truth versus vanity.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Devotional · Meditative · Philosophical · Theological · Inspirational · Motivational · Self-Improvement · Personal Growth · Faith · Religion
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