God, if I worship Thee in fear of hell, burn me in hell…
““God, if I worship Thee in fear of hell, burn me in hell. And if I worship Thee in hope of Paradise, exclude me from Paradise; but if I worship Thee for Thine own sake, withhold not Thine everlasting Beauty.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Worship driven by fear or hope is conditional; true devotion should be unconditional, seeking divine beauty for its own sake.
In simple terms: Worship should be unconditional, not based on reward or punishment.
Cultivate sincere, selfless devotion.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- religious study
- ethical reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your devotion?
- Can love be truly unconditional?
Conditional worship can lead to manipulation or disappointment.