We’ve been taught that jealousy is always wrong. But did you know that ” Jealous ” is a name explicitly given to God in Exodus 34:14, according to some Bible translations?

Turns out, there are 3 types of jealousy in Scripture, and 2 of them reflect God’s heart. So, either we’re missing something, or God is sinning. ( Spoiler: it’s NOT option two )

Here’s what changed my perspective: There’s jealousy that destroys and jealousy that protects. Let’s dive into this a little deeper.

#1——First, the kind we’re all familiar with….

*DESTRUCTIVE JEALOUSY

This is Cain’s kind—-the kind that kills.

It says: ” Why do they have what I deserve? “

It resents others. Competes with friends.

Poisons relationships—-with God and people.

You’ve Probably Felt This Before…If You’ll Be Honest!

*A friend posts their dream vacation while you’re barely scraping by.

*Someone gets promoted…..and something in you twists.

*You see someone else’s success and suddenly feel like a failure.

This kind of jealousy always compares. Always consumes. Always corrupts.

#2——-Secondly, there’s another kind,

*PROTECTIVE JEALOUSY!

This is God’s kind. Not petty. Not insecure.

But passionate. Loyal. Fiercely loving.

Think Of It Like This;

*A faithful husband defending his marriage.

*A loving parent shielding a child.

*God’s jealousy isn’t about control,

It’s about COVENANT!

He longs for your heart to be completely His, and He’ll fight to protect what’s sacred.

#3——Then, there’s the third kind—-

MOTIVATIONAL JEALOUSY!

Paul used it on purpose:

” I make them jealous—-to save some. “  ( Romans 11:14 )

It’s not envy.

It’s desire that leads to growth.

This Kind Of Jealousy Says: 

*”I want what they have—-and I’m willing to change to get it. “

*It stirs a righteous ambition.

*It inspires transformation.

*It awakens calling.

*Not to take from others…

*But to become who God is shaping you to be.

So, How Do You Know Which Kind You’re Feeling?

Ask these 3 questions:

1) Does this make me want to TEAR DOWN or BUILD UP?

2) Is it guarding something sacred—-or feeding something selfish?

3) Does it draw me TOWARD GOD or AWAY FROM HIM?

Jealousy isn’t always the enemy. Sometimes it’s a mirror.

Sometimes, there is a warning light. Sometimes a compass.

~~A Sin To Confess

~~A Gift To Protect

~~A Calling To Pursue

Don’t suppress it.

Discern it.

BOTTOM LINE: Not all jealousy is sin. Some jealousy reflects the heart of God.

And the same is true with MONEY, AMBITION, and DESIRE. We weren’t taught how to navigate those either. NOT ALL DESIRE is wrong!

Let’s continue to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us what is pleasing to the heart of God, even if it goes against what we’ve been taught, especially when it is completely different than His thoughts and desires!