Godly Jealousy
Jealousy is an interesting emotion. It can be either good or bad, depending on what or whom we are jealous of and why. Jealousy over another person’s possessions is coveting, and Scripture clearly warns us against it. Jealousy within a relationship, however, can have a different meaning. It can be the expression of a love that desires faithfulness, intimacy, and an undivided heart.
James 4:5
“What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us,
jealously longs for us to be faithful?”
The Scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit within us longs for our faithfulness. God is jealous when our attention, affection, and devotion are given to something that takes His rightful place in our hearts. He is not jealous of us, but jealous for us. His desire is not to restrict our lives but to protect the relationship for which we were created.
Think about that for a moment. The God of the universe desires an intimate relationship with you!
Christ died for the worst version of us. I don’t think any of us have seen the absolute worst version of ourselves. We cannot fully comprehend how far we could fall if left to ourselves. Yet Christ looked at us, knowing the depths of our sin, and declared, “I willingly give my life for you!”
He did not die merely to rescue us from the worst version of ourselves. He died to transform us. We cannot fully imagine the worst we might become, nor can we fully comprehend the best God desires to accomplish in us. Yet God, knowing both, chose to forgive our sin and offer us new life through Jesus Christ.
Like a faithful suitor who longs for the affection of the one he loves, God desires our undivided hearts. Unlike human jealousy, which can be rooted in insecurity, selfishness, or fear, God’s jealousy flows from His perfect love. He wants to be near us, bless us, transform us, and lead us into the fullness of life He has prepared for us. He desires more than our occasional attention. God desires a relationship in which we walk with Him daily.
How heartbreaking it must be when we allow our own desires to carry us away and begin flirting with the world. We give our time to things that diminish our devotion. We pursue pleasures that distract us from His presence. We seek fulfillment in things that can never satisfy the deepest longings of our souls.
God understands our humanity. He knows our weaknesses and remembers that we are dust. His love does not disappear when we stumble. But His grace should never become an excuse for divided loyalty. I understand how easily we can become distracted. Do I understand what my divided heart says to the One who loves me with unwavering devotion?
Today, take an honest look at your affections. Is there something receiving the attention, devotion, or obedience that belongs to God? Have the things of this world slowly captured the heart that once burned with a desire for His presence?
God is not calling you back because He wants to deprive you of something good. He is calling you back because He loves you and knows that nothing can take His place. His jealousy is the longing of a holy God for the people He has redeemed. He has loved us at our worst and calls us toward the best He has prepared for us.
With Gratitude, Pastor Jesse
