QUESTION:
The Bible says that "love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy," yet it also describes God as a "jealous God." How can this be reconciled, since love does not envy but God is described as being jealous?
MY ANSWER:
First, let's consider 1 Corinthians 13:4 in the KJV, where it says, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." Here, "charity" (agape love) does not "envy," indicating it is not resentful or covetous of others' possessions, achievements, or status. Envy, in this sense, is a selfish and sinful attitude.
In contrast, the term "jealous" as applied to God in passages like Exodus 34:14 (KJV) has a very different connotation. It says, "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." God's jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or covetousness, as human jealousy often is. Instead, it reflects His righteous zeal and protective love for His covenant relationship with His people. God's jealousy arises from His desire for exclusive devotion, which He rightfully deserves as the one true God.
In the Old Testament, God's jealousy is often directed toward Israel's idolatry because He had entered into a covenant relationship with them (see Deuteronomy 6:15). In the church age, under the dispensation of grace, believers are called to exhibit the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, which reflects the selfless and holy love of God.
Thus, "love does not envy" (1 Corinthians 13:4) and God being a "jealous God" (Exodus 34:14) are not contradictory but complementary when understood in their proper contexts. Love, as described in 1 Corinthians, seeks the good of others without selfish ambition. God’s jealousy, on the other hand, is His rightful and holy zeal to protect His relationship with His people from anything that would harm or diminish it, such as idolatry.
In addition, what I’ve come to learn is that we can never compare God’s qualities and characteristics with that of men. God is absolutely righteous, holy, and perfect in character, and even His wrath and anger is holy and just. We, as sinful beings, are tainted with imperfect qualities, emotions and values. Thus, even our human love, kindness, and righteousness, are as filthy rags in the sight of God.
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