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  JUST AS THERE IS AN EVIL ZEAL OF BITTERNESS
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: We should practice good zeal by separating from vices and
striving for virtue, and ultimately prefer nothing above Christ.

Topics: "Christian Living", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: John 15:12, Romans 12:10, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 4:7

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of practicing good zeal
that leads to God and eternal life, rather than being consumed by
bitterness that separates from God. He encourages sisters to show
fervent love, honor one another, endure each other's weaknesses, and
prioritize obedience and selflessness. Sisters are urged to embrace
sisterhood with pure charity, fear God with love, love their Abbess
sincerely, and above all, to choose Christ above everything else,
looking forward to eternal life together.

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CONTENT
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Just as there is an evil zeal of bitterness which separates from God and
leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from vices and
leads to God and to life everlasting. This zeal, therefore, the sisters
should practice with the most fervent love. Thus they should anticipate
one another in honor (Rom. 12:10); most patiently endure one another's
infirmities, whether of body or of character; vie in paying obedience
one to another -- no one following what she considers useful for
herself, but rather what benefits another -- ; tender the charity of
sisterhood chastely; fear God in love; love their Abbess with a sincere
and humble charity; prefer nothing whatever to Christ. And may He bring
us all together to life everlasting!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/just-as-there-is-an-evil-zeal-of-bitterness/
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