"...love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame." Song of Solomon 8:6
"Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy [jealousy)?" Proverbs 27:4
Jealousy come in two forms. That from true love and that from envy and covetousness. Heavenly Father has been said to be a jealous God, Deuteronomy 4:24, Ezekiel 36:5, meaning He loves us fiercely and desires our sanctification and devotion [commitment]. Envy and coveting are sins spoken agains in the commandments.
Sadly, jealously from envy and covetousness is all too common even within families. It's fueled be selfishness and leads to contention, James 3:16, James 4:1-2.
We see this with Cain, Sarah, Joseph of Old, Jesus' accusers, and in today's news. We all know it happens in our own families, churches, or communities, when one enjoys leisure or possessions or praise that another didn't get. It doesn't have to be that way! Love is not compatible with hate, envy, aggression, or selfishness. With charity [pure love of Christ] we can put selfish self-seeking aside and celebrate the victories and blessings of our loved ones and friends. We give up comparing our weaknesses with their strengths. Instead we become their biggest fans, their cheerleaders.
