by Cheryl AF Okimoto
Are you a jealous person? Wait! Before you answer that, please consider the idea that “jealous” is one of the most maligned words in Christian jargon. It’s kind of like rap music. We hear that distinctive rhythm, and immediately we think, “Gangsters!” But there is lots of really good Christian rap. And there is good jealousy too.
If you are familiar with the translations of 1 Corinthians 13:4 that say, “Love is … not jealous …,” you’re probably ready to quit on me right now. But hang on just a second. What if that’s a mistranslation? What if it’s really supposed to be “love is not envious”?
Lets look right quick at the two words, jealous and envy. Webster’s defines envy with words like: resentful discontent, covetousness, and begrudging admiration. Jealous, it says, is more of a feeling of resentment that someone has something you deserve. But, buried after words like resentful, suspicious, and envious, we find a “Christian rap” definition!
Jealous is also:
V Watchful in guarding something;
V Intolerant of unfaithfulness or rivalry.
Thus: “… I, the Lord your God am a jealous God, …” (Exodus 20:5)
And thus, in Numbers 25, he applauds Phinehas for his jealousy!
When an Israelite man polluted the congregation of Israel with a Midianite woman, Phinehas killed them both. God’s response was “… he was jealous with My jealousy …”!
The Old Testament abounds with references to God’s jealousy: Exodus 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24, 5:9, 6:15, Joshua 24:19, and Joel 2:18 to name just a few. And in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul also refers to godly jealousy: “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; ….” (2 Corinthians 11:2)
So, what’s the practical application? There always has to be a practical application for every lesson learned.
Practically, consider what things you should be jealous of with a godly jealousy. (Watchful in guarding something; intolerant of unfaithfulness or rivalry.) They might include your marriage, your children, your mind, your church, your friendships, your finances and anything else God has given you to steward. Guard them jealously! Don’t let Satan, circumstances, time, or any other enemy destroy them.
But be sure you understand the unfaithfulness and rivalry before you start jumping all over something. Is another man a rival just because he talked to your wife? Is your husband unfaithful because he hugged another woman after church? Be watchful, but make sure that any time you are intolerant, it is only after much prayer and even godly council.
Yes, love must be tough, so we have to be intolerant of alcoholism, drug addiction, adultery, defiant disobedience, and other unrepentant sins. But we must never be intolerant of the person! Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Godly jealousy seeks healing and restoration. Hurtful or hateful jealousy is never from God. So, when you recognize jealousy, explore it fully. If the jealousy is justified, make sure your actions will be godly. Seek restoration, not destruction.
Remember, while love is not resentful or covetous (envious), it is protective and watchful (jealousy). If God is Love, and God is Jealous, than Love is Jealous, too! Be jealous with godly jealousy.
Copyright 2005 Cheryl AF Okimoto
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