The famous saying 'God is love', it is generally assumed, means that God is like our immediate emotional indulgence, not that the meaning of love ought to have something of the 'otherness' and terror of God.

The quote by Charles Williams offers a profound interpretation of the famous saying “God is love.” He challenges the common assumption that this phrase simply means God is a source of immediate emotional comfort or indulgence. Instead, Williams suggests that the true meaning of love as related to God includes elements of otherness and even terror, reflecting the awe-inspiring and sometimes overwhelming nature of the divine.

Williams’ words emphasize that divine love is not just a gentle, familiar feeling but something that can challenge and transform us. The “otherness” points to God’s transcendent and mysterious qualities, which can evoke fear and reverence alongside love. This perspective encourages a deeper contemplation of the nature of God and the complexity of spiritual love.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Williams’ theological writings, where he often explored the mystical and paradoxical aspects of faith. His interpretation invites readers to move beyond simplistic views of religious concepts and to appreciate the profound depth of divine love.

Overall, this quote highlights the tension between human understanding of love and the divine reality, urging a more nuanced and awe-filled approach to spirituality and the nature of God. It encourages us to recognize that true love can encompass both comfort and challenge.