Jealous God

Dear Victorious,

Is God really jealous? Isn't that a problem?

Stedman N. - Santa Rosa, CA

Dear Stedman,

Yes, God can certainly be a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24 & 5:9 as well as Nahum 1:2 are a couple of Scriptures that come to mind in terms of God being jealous.

And yes, jealousy is a defect of character ... for humans. Like everything else about God, His jealousy is perfect. When God's jealousy is aroused, it is because of our ungratefulness and unfaithfulness. Even then, He seasons His responses with grace and patience. God's jealousy over us represents an honor worthy of our deepest gratitude.

When God is jealous, it is because He wants the very best for us. (We should want it too!)