4547. A conscience without caring for the neighbor does not exist. People on earth have such an obscure sense and mental image that they cannot tell whether they are caring, because they do not feel affection very strongly, and if they do have it, do not reflect on it. But it is recognized by their zeal for what is good and true, and for what is just and fair. When they are zealous for these, they have charity, namely, a zeal for punishing the evil with the purpose that they may become good, and that the good may not be harmed, and that the community or public may be freed of such persons - for then they are caring toward the neighbor, even though it may not appear so and they themselves may be unaware of it.
