'Concerning Grace and Free Will' Summary

In *Concerning Grace and Free Will*, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux addresses the intricate relationship between divine grace and human free will. He contends that God's grace is indispensable for salvation, but simultaneously underscores the active role of human will in cooperating with that grace. Bernard argues that God's grace is not an external force that overpowers human agency, but rather a powerful influence that empowers individuals to choose good and resist evil. He emphasizes that faith, though initiated by God's grace, must be nurtured and actively embraced by the believer. Through a series of insightful reflections and theological arguments, Bernard illustrates how the two concepts, grace and free will, are not contradictory but rather complementary. He underscores the importance of humility and reliance on God's grace, while simultaneously stressing the need for human effort and moral striving. The treatise encourages readers to embrace a life of faith marked by both active cooperation with God's grace and genuine self-effort, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's will.