The Four Stages of Loving God: Lessons from Bernard of Clairvaux

How do we grow in our love for God? In a world that often confuses love with self-interest, the timeless wisdom of Bernard of Clairvaux offers a map for the soul’s journey—beginning with self-love and leading to pure devotion. His four stages of love show us how grace transforms even our most self-centered motives into holy affection.