Love Is Never Jealous

Jealousy is a negative and damaging emotion.  It’s the feeling of disappointment we have when something we believe should be ours is given to someone else.  We hold resentment against that person, believing we are more deserving of the acclamation or commendation they have received.  Jealousy also brings mistrust of that person.  We may also feel jealousy when another person pays attention to someone we are in a relationship with.  This is often an expression of our own insecurity being expressed through anger and jealousy.  When God describes how to be loving people, He tells us that it never includes being jealous. 

Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.  (1 Corinthians 13:4-5a CEV)

We often think an angry person is dangerous to be around, but the Bible tells us that a jealous person is even worse.

An angry person is dangerous, but a jealous person is even worse. (Proverbs 27:4 CEV)

We may experience jealousy when we live in low self-esteem and begin to compare our lot with that of others.  Sadness, loneliness, uncertainty and suspicion are all trap doors we don’t want to fall through as we allow jealousy to control us.  Co-dependency, and even violence with words or actions, can be expressions of jealousy within. 

And by all means don’t brag about being wise and good if you are bitter and jealous and selfish; that is the worst sort of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, inspired by the devil. (James 3:14-15 TLB)

God’s invitation to us today is to leave jealousy and selfishness behind and focus on kindness, patience, acceptance, and the honouring of others. 

Prayer: Loving God, Forgive me for the times I have been dissatisfied with my own life and been jealous of others. Help me to know my value in Your sight regardless of the acclaim that others might receive. Help me trust that You are working in me to help me build safe and life-giving relationships.  Help me to honour and respect others for who they are. Help me to grow in my love for You and for others, and in thankfulness for who You say I am.  Amen