Holy Zeal
Holy Zeal
Many people have holy zeal. Their hearts are inflamed with love for the Church, and they desire all good for her, from the depth of heart and will. And this is very good. But…
But zeal without knowledge harms.
And many wanted to benefit but caused harm. And about these the apostle Paul said: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom 10:2).
These do not know what true good is, or they do not know the means to it. So they err in the way, and their zeal causes problems…
Zeal also is not merely enthusiasm. Rather, it must be characterized by wisdom.
For zeal is not merely a burning emotion, nor is it shouting, nor revolt. Rather, it must before everything be mixed with wisdom—the sober, sensible, balanced wisdom that works for good in a way that is blameless, and in a way that leads to the required result.
Zeal without wisdom may turn into a fire that flies to where you do not know!
Thus, not every zeal is a virtue, nor every enthusiasm leads to good. So zeal must be mixed with wisdom and knowledge. And with what else?
Zeal must be mixed with piety.
For many people, in their zeal without piety, caused divisions and disturbances and confusion, and fell into conflicts that harmed them and caused harm to others.
Virtuous zeal is characterized by love and gentleness and by being far from the “ego.”
For the apostle James says: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom… For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (Jas 3:13, 16).
Holy zeal works by the Holy Spirit.
And all its actions are good…
Good in its goals and in its means.
And it is humble zeal. It does not think that it alone is capable of good, but also blesses the good that is in others and supports it…
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