Eagerness bordering on fervent passion in pursuit of
something. Zeal is related to {fanaticism}, except that zeal
usually means great enthusiasm in a positive sense, whereas
fanaticism implies blind unreasoning devotion. Zeal is
normally considered a ``good thing'', especially in connection
with spiritual matters. When Jesus threw merchants out of the
temple in Jerusalem, his disciples realized it was in
fulfillment of the prophecy that says: <<Sheer zeal for your house has eaten
me up.>> (Psa 69:9) However, the
throwees probably viewed Jesus' zeal as fanaticism. The
adjective zealous is sometimes mispronounced
ZEL-ee-us. (Compare {grievous}.)
NOTE: Concerning speaking with zeal---what a person
is in everyday life has an impact on his speaking. If a person
is lukewarm in speaking about the Truth in ordinary
circumstances, then gets up and gives a passionate talk full
of exhortation and expressions from the heart, it may ring
false. Some people sense that this is so, and it inhibits
their freeness of speech. The only real solution is to be
zealous for the Truth at all times.
