From the early Church Fathers to now.
5 Patristic witnesses · 1 Orthodox witness · 1 Catholic witness
“The expression "aglow with the Spirit" proves that the Word of God is hot and fiery.”
“"Not backward in zeal." For this also gendereth love when with honor we also show a readiness to protect: as there is nothing that makes men beloved so much as honor and forethought. For to love is not enough, but there must be this also: or rather this also comes of loving, as also loving has its warmth from this, and they are confirmative one of another. For there are many that love in mind, yet reach not forth the hand. And this is why he uses every means to build up love. And how are we to become "not backward in zeal?" "Fervent in spirit." See how in every instance he aims after higher degrees; for he does not say "give" only, but "with largeness;" nor "rule," but do it "with diligence;" nor "show mercy," but do it "with cheerfulness;" nor "honor," but "prefer one another;" nor "love," but do it "without dissimulation;" nor refrain from "evil" things, but "hate" them; nor hold to "what is good," but "cleave" to it; nor "love," but to do it "with brotherly affection;" nor be zealous, but be so without backwardness; nor have the "Spirit," but have it "fervent," that is, that ye may be warm and awakened. For if thou hast those things aforesaid, thou wilt draw the Spirit to thee. And if This abide with thee, It will likewise make thee good for those purposes, and all things will be easy from the Spirit and the love, while thou art made to glow from both sides. Dost thou not see the bulls that carry a flame upon their back, how nobody is able to withstand them? So thou also wilt be more than the devil can sustain, if thou takest both these flames. "Serving the Lord." For it is possible to serve God in all these ways; in that whatever thou doest to thy brother passes on to thy Master, and as having been Himself benefited, He will reckon thy reward accordingly. See to what height he has raised the spirit of the man that worketh these things! Then to show how the flame of the Spirit might be kindled...”
“Do not become slow and lazy in God's work out of concern for the world. The Lord does not love those who are unresponsive and is nauseated by those who are lukewarm. If we are resistant to the world we then manifestly glow with the Spirit, doing all things not for the world or its vices but for the Lord.”
“Spirit is the word Paul uses here for "grace." … He does the same thing elsewhere when he says: "Do not quench the Spirit." The Spirit is quenched in those who are unworthy of grace.”
“Since many, it would seem, honor and love one another in their souls, but do not extend their hands to them, he teaches us to care for one another and to help others by deed itself. An objection is anticipated: how can we "not be slothful in zeal"? If, he answers, we are fervent in spirit, that is, if we are diligent and zealous. Note also that "be fervent in spirit" is said after the enumeration of many kinds of virtue; for whoever has fulfilled the above attracts the grace of the Spirit and is kindled by His fire. When you are brotherly in love, when you have love and the other virtues spoken of before, then you are serving the Lord. For He regards as done to Himself what you do for your brother.”
“Then when he says, in carefulness, he shows the qualities surrounding charity's love of God. First, he starts with reason's attentiveness when he says: in carefulness, not slothful, when it is a question of worshiping God: he has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, and he continues: but to walk carefully with your God? (Mic 6:8); do your best to present yourself to God as one approved (2 Tim 2:15). Second, the affections when he says: be fervent in the spirit, namely, in loving God. Being fervent comes from an abundance of heat; hence it is called fervor of spirit, because the whole person is fervent toward God on account of the abundance of his love: Apollos, being fervent in spirit, spoke and taught concerning Jesus (Acts 18:25); do not quench the Spirit (1 Thess 5:19). Third, the outward homage when he says: serving the Lord, namely, with the worship of latria, which is paid to God alone: the Lord your God shall you adore and him alone shall you serve (Deut 6:13); serve the Lord with fear (Ps 2:11). Or according to another text, serving the time, namely that we should perform our service of God at the fitting time: there is a time and an opportunity for every affair (Eccl 8:6).”
“This means that we should not be lukewarm in doing God's work or the law, as God says in the Revelation of John: "Because you are lukewarm, I shall spit you out of my mouth." Daily meditation removes laziness and makes people vigilant.”
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