The acts of the flesh are obvious: … jealousy …
Summary: Jealousy is an emotion that is akin to zeal. Like fire, this emotion can be used for good or for evil.
To gain the full benefit of the word “jealousy,” we need to do a deep dive into the meaning of the Greek. Strong’s Concordance defines the Greek word “zēlos” this way:
ζῆλος zēlos, dzay’-los; from G2204; properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) “zeal” (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice):—emulation, envy(-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.*
Zeal can be described as an emotional energy. When used for good, this energy can be a good thing. Paul thought he was doing good when he was “zealous for the traditions of [his] fathers” (Galatians 1:14). Zeal for Christ is a good thing as long as it is tempered and guided by love (Galatians 4:18).
But what about zeal that goes bad?
When the emotional heat of zeal is activated by fear and want, we call it jealousy. It is the same energy, the same emotional power as holy zeal, but there is an evil twist to it.
I have always thought it interesting that in the early days of Israel, God gave the Israelites a test for jealousy (Numbers 5: 11-31). If a husband became jealous of his wife and suspected her of infidelity, he could take her to the priest, who would submit her to a spiritual test. (The test is quite elaborate and worth reading if you are unfamiliar with it.)
Here, we also see the fine line between human jealousy and righteous jealousy. The Bible describes God as a “jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). Holy jealousy is not rooted in suspicion because God knows everything (1 John 3:20). Holy jealousy is a zeal for what is right and good.
When the flesh becomes jealous, it is a zeal for self-interest. The zeal of the flesh is to promote itself above everything else, including God. This is where human zeal crosses the line. This is where our jealousy falls short of being righteous.
If we are aware of the source of our jealousy, we can be on guard against it. Being jealous for the things of God is good. Being jealous for self-interest is bad.
Application: Guard against being jealous for the sake of self.
Food for Thought: What is the spiritual antidote for human jealousy?
*”G2205 – zēlos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 9 Jul, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2205/niv/mgnt/0-1/.
Wisdom from above.
James 3:13-17 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
We can receive wisdom from above by reading His Word, prayer, and listen to and obeying the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This requires humility, and I personally find that humility in God’s presence is usually accompanied by gratitude. Gratitude is certainly counter to jealousy.
Thanks Chris!
Wisdom is always helpful and gratitude does seem like a good antidote to jealousy!
Excellent CH!
What is the spiritual antidote for human jealousy?
The story of Cain and Abel illustrates how jealousy can lead to disastrous consequences.
Joseph’s brothers became jealous of their father’s favoritism towards Joseph and sold him into slavery.
Saul, the first king of Israel, became consumed with jealousy when he heard the people praising David for his victories in battle, and sought to kill him.
The story of Rachel and Leah in the book of Genesis highlights the negative effects of jealousy within a family.
God inspired Paul to document the power of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Love, which is patient, kind, and not easily angered, serves as the spiritual antidote to envy and jealousy.
Thanks Ron!
Love – agapé love — is an excellent antidote.
🙂