12:11 Whatever is worth doing in the Christian life is valuable enough to be done with enthusiasm and care (John 9:4; Gal. 6:10; Heb. 6:10, 11: cf. Eccl. 9:10; 2 Thess. 3:13). Sloth and indifference not only prevent good, but allow evil to prosper (Prov. 18:9; Eph. 5:15, 16). fervent in spirit. Lit. “to boil in spirit.” This phrase suggests having plenty of heat to produce adequate, productive energy, but not so much heat that one goes out of control (cf. Acts 18:25; 1 Cor. 9:26; Gal. 6:9).
