Cease Quote by Bernard of Clairvaux
“What does God hate or punish except self-will? Let self-will cease, and there will be no hell. On what does that fire feed except on self-will?”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Sermons on the Song of Songs, c. 1150
Self-will fuels suffering; removing it ends torment and Hell.
In simple terms: Self-will causes suffering; stop it to avoid hell.
Key Takeaway
Cease selfish desire.
Themes
spirituality
ethics
self‑control
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
moral
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- confession
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
free will
temptation
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we recognize subtle self‑will?
- Can compassion replace self‑will?
A Different Perspective
Self‑will may be unavoidable in complex moral dilemmas.
