Jealousy and God’s Pure Love

Words spoken out of jealousy are rarely recognized as such by the speaker. Such words often condemn others, but really they reveal pain in the speaker’s own heart. For years I struggled under the weight of such words, feeling guilty and shameful—until I realized that God’s words are different.

The Lord’s words are pure. His motives are only love—never manipulation, control, or condemnation. His love believes we can become everything He created us to be.

But because of our past or unhealed places, we sometimes misinterpret His love as condemnation. We see correction as rejection.

I’ll never forget when my firstborn, at 13 months old, crawled toward an electrical socket. Even though I was weak with morning sickness, I leapt from bed, slapped his little hand, and cried, “No, danger!” My motive wasn’t to shame him, shut him down, or squash curiosity. It was love. I wanted to protect him from harm.

If I, as an imperfect mom, wanted to protect my child out of love, how much more does our perfect Father in Heaven guard and keep us safe? His warnings are not meant to condemn us, but to guide us into life.