011 - Chapter X Of the fourth degree of love wherein man does not even love self save for Gods sake

In this profound exploration of divine love, Saint Bernard passionately articulates why God is worthy of our love and the boundless nature of that affection. His work, On Loving God, stands as one of the most cherished and widely read texts from the twelfth century, bridging the wisdom of the early Church Fathers with the contemplative insights of the Middle Ages. Bernards assertion that God should be loved without limits—sine modo—echoes the teachings of Saint Augustine. While not a product of scholastic theology, this tract showcases the eras love for logical reasoning and a meticulous approach to language. As you engage with this text, it’s essential to appreciate it within its historical context, embracing its medieval perspective without imposing modern interpretations.