1 Jn 3:11-21
"Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. "
This is not the old saved by faith or works debate. St. John is pointing the way to eternal life. It is not enough to say the words, we must let the words take root in our hearts, and we must live the words.
"If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?"
The virtue of compassion is rooted in love, and is a sharing in the cross. Compassion, in addition to the many works of mercy, also includes fraternal correction. We must care about another's eternal soul, in addition to their current physical needs.
We must not just Talk the talk, but Walk the walk
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
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