Topical Bible: Thankfulness: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others

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Thankfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it is often expressed in response to the zeal and fervor exhibited by others in their faith and actions. This gratitude is not only a personal expression but also a communal acknowledgment of the work God is doing through His people.

Biblical Examples of Thankfulness for Zeal

1. Paul's Gratitude for the Zeal of the Thessalonians: In his letters, the Apostle Paul frequently expresses thankfulness for the zeal and faithfulness of the early Christian communities. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 , Paul writes, "We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, Paul acknowledges the zeal of the Thessalonians in their work, love, and hope, offering thanks to God for their steadfastness.

2. The Zeal of the Corinthians: In 2 Corinthians 8:16-17 , Paul expresses gratitude for the zeal of Titus, who was eager to assist in the collection for the saints: "But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you. For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition." Titus's zeal is a cause for thankfulness, as it reflects his commitment to the mission and the well-being of the church.

3. The Zeal of the Philippians: The church in Philippi is another example where Paul expresses gratitude for their zeal in supporting his ministry. In Philippians 1:3-5 , he writes, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." The Philippians' active participation and support in the gospel work are met with Paul's heartfelt thankfulness.

Theological Implications

The expression of thankfulness for the zeal of others is deeply rooted in the recognition of God's work through His people. It acknowledges that the fervor and dedication of believers are not merely human efforts but are inspired and sustained by the Holy Spirit. This gratitude serves to encourage and affirm those who are zealous in their faith, reinforcing the communal bonds within the body of Christ.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness for the zeal exhibited by others in their community. This can be done through prayer, verbal acknowledgment, and acts of encouragement. Recognizing and giving thanks for the zeal of others not only uplifts those individuals but also strengthens the entire community, fostering an environment where faith and good works can flourish.

Scriptural Encouragement

The Bible encourages believers to be thankful in all circumstances, including the zeal of others. Hebrews 10:24 states, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." By offering thankfulness for the zeal of others, believers fulfill this exhortation, promoting a culture of mutual encouragement and spiritual growth.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 8:16
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Paul Before Felix.
... in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness." What! ... day, and to whom
salvation is offered, perhaps, for the last time, should permit themselves ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

Introduction
... upon him; watched lest his sister should not take ... would make the utmost effort to
express his thankfulness. ... that when a little champagne was offered him during ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/introduction.htm

Matt. I. 17
... thinking to do honor, he rather offered insult, to ... glory, nor honor, nor anything
else should be more ... they, who bear poverty with thankfulness, really become ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

section second.
... scrupulous fears about partaking of meats offered to idols ... situation enough that
calls for thankfulness to God ... in the requirement, that they should give thanks ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... the measure I meted to others I should expect to ... things considered, we had reason
for thankfulness to God ... After these exercises were closed, they offered him a ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... and conscience of duty, in way of thankfulness for mercy ... Offered to Him that liveth
for ever and ever ... it might hold the desired prominence, it should not suffer ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... of a voluntary character " we had offered them our ... were the changes proposed adopted,
we should not gradually ... in some measure, for the great zeal which some ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Enthusiasm.
... and whose greatest outburst of religious zeal characteristically took ... of religious
feelings which should in any ... find words to express his thankfulness for 'the ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter vii enthusiasm.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
... of grace: wherein he freely offered unto sinners ... when Christ the substance [1161]
was exhibited, the ordinances ... the Father that all fullness should dwell; [1203 ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... For who do you think should be there, but I and Mrs. Love-the-flesh, and three
or four more, with Mr. Lechery, Mrs. Filth, and some others. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm