Love Does Not Envy

Envy, jealousy and lust have one thing in common--selfishness, in constant "receive" mode, rarely in "give" mode. Envy, jealousy and lust are all anti-relationship.

The Bible seems to contradict itself when it claims that "God is love" and that "love does not envy (or lust)", and in other places has God declaring that he is "a jealous God" and stating that the Holy Spirit "envies intensely."

The difference is that our desires are selfish, and self-seeking. God is not jealous for us in a possessive sense, but is jealous on our behalf. He desires to bring fulfillment to you.

“Don’t envy for yourself, you’ll destroy yourself. I’m jealous on your behalf, so stop trying to take for yourself and let me give you what you need.”

God never envies for Himself, or is jealous for Himself, God is not selfish.

I once knew a woman whose husband was incredibly jealous of her. She couldn't talk with her friends or go anywhere without having to give him a detailed report of where she had been, who she had been with, and what they talked about. She was constantly tormented by his suspicion, anger and paranoia. She settled for following his rules, proving herself faithful, and living with a few crumbs of freedom and independence on occasion.

Too often we think God is like that jealous husband and we believe the lie that He is selfish.

Only an envious God would give you life and then require that you give it back to Him. He gave you life to enjoy to the fullest. The truth is He never asks you to give him your life; it’s your heart He’s after.

God doesn't "use" people for His own purposes; He is not in relationship with you for what He can get out of it for Himself. God is not selfish! He does not want you to be used by anyone and He will never "use" you.

What does every parent want for their child? I want my kids to be happy, fulfilled, to love who they are and what they do – God wants the same thing for His children.

We often have a distorted view of His heart, that God is the opposite of who He really is. God is not envious, He’s not selfish.

God is not jealous of your relationships. He is NEVER in competition with your love for people. When you are loving people you are not far from the heart of God!

God is not envious because He is not in this relationship for Himself. Love never envies. God is love. God never envies.