FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Exodus 34:14

“Charity envieth not.”

WHAT IS LOVE? (III)

“Charity envieth not” (1 Cor 13:4). The term “envieth” (zeloi) carries the meaning of “to be jealous.” This involves the fierce protection of what one perceives to be his.

Due to the common negative perception of jealousy, it may come as a surprise to some that the Bible describes God as a jealous God. In fact, God’s very name is “Jealous.” “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exod 34:14). All the other gods are but false gods, and can never be compared to the one living and true God. Therefore, when man worships other gods, the LORD is rightfully jealous for they have exalted the creature over the Creator, and robbed Him of His glory.

The difference between divine jealousy and human jealousy is that human jealousy is often stained with sin. A striking example of sinful human jealousy can be found in the life of King Saul. Despite knowing that God had determined David to be the next king, Saul’s jealousy caused him to make various attempts on David’s life. He wanted to hold on to his kingship, but no man can thwart God’s plan. Saul’s persistent sinful jealousy eventually led to his demise.

Such sinful jealousy is also seen in the Corinthian church where differing parties bickered to exalt their own party (cf. 1 Cor 3:4). A second example is found in 3 John where Diotrephes is said to love the pre-eminence in the church, and rejected all whom he felt were a threat to his position (cf. 3 John 9).

It was such sinful jealousy that Paul warned of in 1 Corinthians 13:4 when he said that charity “envieth” not. Such jealousy finds its root in a covetous and selfish heart. How many a church are destroyed because the saints are jealous of one another!

THOUGHT: Unrighteous jealousy kills.
PRAYER: Father, guard me from sinful envy and jealousy.