Zeal

What is Zeal?

Zeal is a strong feeling of enthusiasm or eagerness toward a particular cause. It is a positive and admirable quality that can inspire others to take action and make a difference. Other words to describe zeal are burning desire, passion, fervor and energy.

Other words to describe zeal include single-mindedness, diligence, fervor, to be on fire and energy. Zeal is a warning against getting too comfortable, shallow or cold in one’s spiritual life. 

Zeal is not to become overheated to the point of boiling over and out of control.

The opposite of zeal is sluggish, slack, lethargy or slothful. Zeal is not the same as being jealous, even though both words can indicate intense emotions. Jealousy is an emotion of fear, insecurity, and anxiety over the potential loss of something that one holds dear, such as love, attention, or status. Zeal, on the other hand, is an emotion of passion and dedication to a cause or activity.

In Hebrew, being jealous and zealous are the same, the context alone determines the difference - forgiveness, love, pride, anger, resentment, envy, etc. 

In the Bible, zeal is both commended and commanded. For example, Elijah had single-minded zeal in his commitment to God and his burning desire to see people worship God alone. When he mistakenly believes that he is the only one left of the prophets, he experienced a desire to withdraw from his calling.  

To have zeal is to burn for one thing ; and that one thing is to please God and advance God’s glory. Zeal is a burning desire to please, God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It is a desire which no man or woman feels by nature – – which the spirit puts in the heart of every believer when he or she is converted. (Bishop J.C. Ryle)