We pray for peace and faithfulness in Jesus.
Blessings,
Corinne and Jan.
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Today's Devotional:
"JEALOUSY"
by
Jan Andersen
Jealousy is an emotion that involves possessiveness, especially regarding a love relationship possibly being threatened by another party. In human terms it often involves resentment, bitterness, distrust, and reveals an insecurity in the person displaying this dominating feeling. It is often based on a misperception of ownership of the other person. It can lead to overprotectiveness, anger or rage in the jealous person, and humiliation and fear in the person who is the object of the jealousy. It has been referred to as the green-eyed monster and has led to many broken marriages, driving apart what was originally feared to be possibly lost - a loving relationship.
Galatians 5:19-21 tells us jealousy is sinful and separates us from God, the most important loving relationship. "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
But the Bible also tells us over and over that God is a jealous god, wanting us to only worship him. Since God is perfect and unable to be sinful, there must be another kind of jealousy. Sinful jealousy involves illegitimate possessiveness of one person over another human being or the relationship with that person. Godly jealousy is rightful possessiveness over a person out of true love, wanting them to remain faithful to God which then becomes their eternal salvation. Sinful jealousy interferes with a loving relationship through fear of losing it. Godly jealousy magnifies a loving relationship through desiring that a person be saved from eternal death and destruction. God's jealousy is loving.
We can also demonstrate godly jealousy to others. We do this when we encourage others to believe only in Jesus and what he has done for all people by dying on the cross in our place and rising again to give all who believe new life with him in heaven. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that he loved them with a godly jealousy, wanting them to remain faithful to the true teachings of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2-3 (NIV) "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
Dear God in heaven, who jealously desires our pure devotion, help us to remain forever faithful to you. During this Lenten season we remember all that Jesus went through on this earth to save us. Help us to share our knowledge and experience about you with others so they too may come to faith and be saved. May we also love others as fiercely as you love us with a godly jealousy. Thank you for forgiving us when we fail and helping us to continue to move forward in our efforts to serve you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Prayers are lifted up daily for
you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff
of Women's Focus Ministries.
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