Practice of the Christian Life
Works from faith
Our works are by no means credited by God as righteousness [245], but are the necessary consequence of righteousness [246]: faith without deeds is dead [247], it obviously finds expression in works that praise the Lord [248]. Works give evidence for a regenerated life [249]. Works do not result from our zeal, or express our desires [250]. They result from grace [251] and works are prepared in advance by God for us to do [252], in order that we can do them depending on Him [253] and being still in faith [254].
No work has value or strength without love [255] which comes from God [256]. Love is expressed giving thanks to the Lord [257], through love towards everyone, mainly towards our brothers in the faith [258]. In Christ’s image [259], love leads us to serve our neighbour [260] and to offer our bodies as living sacrifices [261].