True zeal sets a person on fire with love of God, with the realization that all gifts and all power come from God. Thus, true zeal is humble but courageous in the face of scorn and persecution. Christian zeal models itself on Jesus' zeal to proclaim the Good News of God's love and to heal the wounds of suffering people. To discern the direction of his zeal, Vincent depended on the insights of his spiritual director, trusted friends, the response of the people he served, and the guidelines of his community. He wanted to make sure that the fire of his zeal came from the love of God and his sisters and brothers and not from a false sense of his own importance.
Christian zeal creates, gives energy, and empowers.
Vincent listened to those whom he trusted to be sure that his fire burned from the right source. The apostle's work requires a blend of firmness and gentleness. Knowing the right proportions for any situation is an art and a blessing. To say the same thing in reverse, those who explode in outrage and allow themselves to be overwhelmed by violent anger are usually more inconsistent because they act only in fits and starts. They are like torrents which are strong and impetuous only when in full flood but which dry up immediately afterwards.