the green eyed... God?

I awoke this morning pondering thoughts on jealousy. Due to some recent events in my life, I have to confess that I've had to face the green-eyed creature more times than I'd anticipated. I've never struggled with jealousy before and am learning the value of honest, open, and persistent communication. But this got me thinking about the bugger, and if it can be both a good thing and/or a bad thing.

Jealousy is typically defined as a "jealous resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another's success or advantage itself."

According to Wikipedia (the end-all and know-all :) ), it comes from the French word jalousie, formed from jaloux (jealous), and further from Low Latin zelosus (full of zeal), and from the Greek word for "ardour, zeal". It also states that jealousy is difficult to define and is best described through circumstances which cause a concoction of complex emotions. Among these, two similar traits are found, apparently: possessiveness and fear of loss. (It's actually a quite interesting read.)

Even Solomon, whom knew all about jealousy in his harems, said that "A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; but envy is the rotteness of the bones" and "Jealousy is cruel as the grave"

(Prov. 14:30 & SoS 8:6)

Herbert Lockyer said "it can transform a noble into a monster, and is no respector of persons. Yet this is the word God takes to Himself as a name - Jehovah, whose name is Jealous." (Ex 34:14) This particuliar name/title is used at least 6 or 7 other times in the Bible. So what does it mean? What's the difference?

Accordin to H. Lockyer, it does not bear the evil meaning, but rather, a righteous "zeal", Jehovah's zeal for His own name or glory. It lives in truth, purity, justice, righteousness, and holiness. It would make sense for God to be zealous of such a thing "lest the darkness should invade His light, or dim the glory and joy of His children." God is not insecure or fearful.

Rather, "His name is Jealous, because He is concerned for His redeemed people lest they forfeit glory and peace through forsaking Him." He's jealous for the sake of the ones He loves; that they would miss out on something amazing.

I believe that kind of jealousy is good and healthy. Based in extravagent love for another or oneself, and purified by God's righteousness.

Wisdom is key. Confession, repentence, and forgivenss is key.

May we look more like Him each day.