Book I, Chapter XII Summary and Analysis

The soul reaps many benefits from its journey through the dark night. Although the soul doesn't recognize it at first, there is joy in this dark, painful night because the soul is "growing up" in Christ. The main benefit the soul reaps from the dark night is the knowledge that by itself the soul is weak and miserable. God esteems a soul that has learned this truth more greatly than He esteems a soul that is content, but unaware of its own failings. During this dark night, the soul also gains a healthy respect for God. It is also during this time of darkness that the soul will truly experience the greatness and majesty of God. During this time, the soul also develops humility. It is from this humility that the love of others develops...