Eagerness

A willingness, zeal or longing to accomplish a task or fulfil an ambition.

Eagerness to perform a task

1 Chronicles 12:8; Nehemiah 3:20 See also Ezra 5:8; Proverbs 31:13; Acts 20:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:17

Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:

Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai diligently repaired another section, from the angle to the doorway of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

Eagerness to fulfil personal ambitions

Zephaniah 3:7; 1 Timothy 6:10 See also Psalm 56:6; Proverbs 1:11–12, Proverbs 28:20; Mark 6:25; Galatians 4:17–18; Philippians 3:6

I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling place would not be cut off despite all for which I punished her. But they rose early to corrupt all their deeds.

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Eagerness for personal godliness

2 Chronicles 15:15; 2 Peter 1:10 See also 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 27:4, Psalm 42:1–2, Psalm 63:1; Proverbs 23:17; Acts 26:7; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Hebrews 4:11, Hebrews 6:11; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:5

And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.

Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,

Spiritual eagerness may be superficial and unreal

Isaiah 58:2 See also Psalm 78:34–37; Isaiah 48:1

For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.”

Believers should be eager to follow and serve their Lord

Eager to do good works

Titus 2:14 See also 2 Corinthians 8:7, 2 Corinthians 8:22; Titus 3:1, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14; 1 Peter 3:13

He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Eager to serve

Romans 12:11; 1 Peter 5:2 See also Psalm 110:3; Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:3; Titus 3:8

Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;

Eager to share the truth

Romans 1:15; 2 Peter 1:15 See also Acts 18:25, Acts 21:13; Romans 15:20; Philippians 1:20; Jude 1:3

That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.

Eager to receive or understand the truth

Mark 12:37; Acts 10:33 See also Mark 10:17 parallels Matthew 19:16, Luke 18:18; Luke 2:15, Luke 21:38; John 4:40; Acts 13:42, Acts 17:11; 1 Timothy 4:15

David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with delight.

So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you to tell us.”

Eager to give

2 Corinthians 8:7 See also Exodus 35:21–22; 1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Corinthians 8:11, 2 Corinthians 8:19; Galatians 2:10; 1 Timothy 6:18

But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Eager to pray

Colossians 4:2 See also Romans 15:30; Philippians 1:3–4; Colossians 4:12

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

Eager for God's honour

Numbers 25:11 See also 1 Kings 19:14; 2 Kings 10:16; John 2:17

“Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites; for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal.

Eager to see Jesus Christ's return and the end of the world

1 Corinthians 1:7 See also Matthew 24:44 parallel Luke 12:40; Romans 8:19 Creation shares the same eager expectation; Romans 8:23; Galatians 5:5; Philippians 3:20

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.