Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 John 2:5

Eastern Fathers

Oecumenius

"But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we know that we are in him." Therefore, whoever knows God is also known by Him, either having become a partner with God and united with God; and in this, the love of God is evident, through which love he will have the perfection that is in God, and by this, he will judge his closeness to God. For perfect love is indeed exhibited through works.

Commentary on 1 John ↗

Clement of Alexandria

"But whoever keeps His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him," - by faith and love.

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"In this we know that we are in Him, if in Him we be perfected." Perfected in love, he calls them: what is perfection of love? To love even enemies, and love them for this end, that they may be brethren. For not a carnal love ought ours to be. To wish a man temporal weal, is good; but though that fail, let the soul be safe. Dost thou wish life to any that is thy friend? Thou doest well. Dost thou rejoice at the death of thine enemy? Thou doest ill. …

Ten Homilies on 1 John 1 ↗

Bede

By this we know that we are in Him, etc. That is, through excessive love, even to pray for enemies, just as He did, saying, "Father, forgive them" (Luke XXIII). Also, to despise all the favorable aspects of the world with a strong mind, to willingly endure insults and reproaches, just as He said: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Luke IX).

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗