Its not a word commonly used today but it does describe passion, enthusiasm and fervour towards something.
The Bible encourages us to have spiritual fervour and zeal for God and His way of life.
Its easy to fall in to the trap of working up a passion & to try hard in our own strength to do all the things we think we should do to please God.
In Galatians the Christians had made a similar mistake. Having become Christian by spiritual new birth & life they then tried to live this life without the power of God.
We need to realise that God has given us His Holy Spirit (John 14) to enable us to live His life of Zeal in us.
Thanks Ian (22nd June 2014)
June 29th, 2014 at 9:02 pm
9 Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
11 Never be lazy in your work,(lacking in Zeal) but serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. 13 When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.
14 If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. 19 Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, “I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,” says the Lord. 20 Instead, do what the Scriptures say: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.”
21 Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.