On this Valentine’s Day it is appropriate to write about jealousy – a godly jealousy that Paul writes about. “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy” (2 Corinthians 11:2a). One of the definitions of jealous is “feeling or showing suspicion of someone’s unfaithfulness in a relationship.” This was the Apostle Paul’s sentiment toward the Corinthian believers as he was sensing they were accepting of messages other than what he had taught them. This acceptance of watered-down truth was impacting their devotion to Christ. Therefore, in his desire for them to have God’s best, he spoke the truth in love.
The Bible informs us that God is a jealous God. Exodus 34:12-14 states, “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” God’s jealousy for His people, including you and me, is righteous, not selfish. Righteous jealousy is reflected in the frustration of a husband deeply in love with his wife who continues to reject him turning her heart to others.
God is jealous for us because He fiercely loves us and will accept nothing less. Whether it be the pagan gods of the Israelites or our modern-day gods from money, vanity, peer approval, etc., God is not interested in sharing the love, devotion, and place of priority that belongs to Him. God’s righteous jealousy is in fact, a blessing. God has the best life for us and is zealous in His wanting that for each of us.
Are you jealous for those in your world to have God’s best – His eternal and abundant life? This passion should lead us to pray more earnestly for and to speak the truth in love to those who are far away from God as well as to those who are drifting in their faith. Being a true “Valentine” is not just being a buddy who says, “Do what you want to do?” It is being a friend who cares enough to lovingly confront when you see someone you deeply care about making wrong and potentially life-altering choices. It is during those times, it is good and even, necessary, to be jealous.
I am jealous for you to have God’s best in your life!