The Green Eyed Monster

God blessed me with my Daddy’s green eyes.  Throughout my entire life, I have been complimented on the color of my eyes and I always proudly proclaim, “I have my Daddy’s eyes.”  Needless to say as a teenager, I was often called a green eyed monster, but not because of the pretty color of my eyes.  That title was usually thrown out when I displayed that ugly characteristic commonly known as the Green Eyed Monster – Jealousy!   

I have always associated jealousy as a negative characteristic. Most likely, I view jealousy in this light because it was routinely brought to my attention when I demonstrated intense jealousy over an immature, juvenile relationship with most likely an equally immature, juvenile teenage boy.  Jealousy is defined as resentment against a rival or mental uneasiness from suspicion or fear of rivalry or unfaithfulness. I have even described jealousy to my children as a feeling in your heart that begins small but can rapidly grow and devour your heart if you allow it.  Think about it, should jealousy routinely be viewed as a negative?

The Bible very clearly states that God is a jealous God in Exodus 34:14. “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Why would God be jealous?  Could jealousy actually be a good thing?  Last week during a Bible Study, the Lord opened my eyes to something so precious that it brought sweet tears to my eyes.  Picture this for just a minute.  You are head over heels in love with your spouse.  Daily, you desire to spend quality time with the love of your life.  Lately, your spouse begins to spend less and less time with you.  It doesn’t necessarily mean they are spending time with another love in the form of a person; but rather work, entertainment, or raising children.  No matter what object is taking away time from the one you love, you began to feel jealous. The little green eyed monster begins to grow in our heart. But, why are we so jealous? What is at the core of our heart that stirs this emotion? We are jealous because we deeply love that person so much that we crave, desire, and desperately want their attention. Is God a jealous God?  Yes. He is because He craves, desires, and desperately wants our attention, our time, and our focus to be on Him.  Is jealousy always wrong?  Not when it comes to God because He is perfect and He can not sin. Why is God jealous?  It is so simple, beautiful and brought sweet tears to my eyes.  He is jealous because He loves us. He isn’t jealous because He is a mean, angry God.  He is jealous because He loves us and He wants our attention on Him.

I am simply blown away once again when I truly understand the depths of God’s love for me. He is jealous because He loves me. See, I can relate to that because I can easily become jealous of those in my life who I love deeply.  Wow, I am in awe of Him and His love for me! Seriously, can it get any better than that? Makes me realize how grateful I am for His love for me. Thank you Lord for loving me like you do!

Maybe that green eyed monster isn't so bad after all......