A good New Testament commentary on this passage is found in the words of James: “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” There are two opposing, and equally wrong, ideas regarding Christianity. One is often referred to as the “social gospel.” Advocates of the social gospel have reduced Christianity to acts of kindness and brotherly love, effectively eliminating the person and work of Christ, sin, salvation, and truth claims. The other is interested only in truth claims and personal righteousness, while effectively ignoring the plight of the needy and oppressed in a fallen, sin broken world. The Biblical idea of Christianity joins the best of these two thoughts, recognizing that the love of God extended to our personal ruin brings both the responsibility and privilege of extending both truth and kindness to others. Faith works through love. Is that true in your own experience? Do you find yourself becoming more selfless, more concerned over the needs of others, more willing to give of yourself for the good of others? This is the pattern of the true Christ follower. He lay down His life for His sheep.