How to Deal With Jealousy in a Christian Marriage Sample
![How to Deal With Jealousy in a Christian Marriage](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F32410%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Understanding Jealousy
What comes to your mind when you hear or read the word jealous? The first thing that you thought of was probably something negative. Maybe you thought of an insecure, wounded husband or wife, who is possessive and aggressive when it comes to their spouse talking to or interacting with other people. Perhaps you thought of an older brother getting angry at his younger brother for having their parents’ attention at a time when he wanted it all to himself. Did you think of the time you envied a friend who had something you wanted for a long time but could not afford?
Jealousy is a feeling of unhappiness and anger because someone else has something or someone you want. It is also the state of vigilance in maintaining or guarding something. Often, we use the words jealousy and envy interchangeably, but they can have different meanings: envy is wanting what others possess, and jealousy is not wanting others to have what you possess.
Jealousy can often be a bad and sinful feeling to have. However, there are times when it can be a positive feeling. Jealousy can be both holy and righteous, and unholy and unrighteous. It can spring from a genuine love and care, and it can also be a sinful expression from an insecure and wounded person.
The Bible says that God is a jealous God. Knowing this, do you still think all forms of jealousy are bad? God is jealous for us. He wants us to worship and honor Him and Him alone. He is jealous for our undivided love and affection. He is jealous for His honor and glory. That is a good kind of jealous. God is not sinful; He is perfect. Therefore, the kind of jealousy He feels for us is not sinful nor unholy, but righteous and pure.
In a marriage, there can be wrong and sinful expressions of jealousy, but there can also be righteous expressions of jealousy when the spouses are two mature, Christ-centered people. The wrong kind of jealousy can bring confusion, division, and fear. The right kind of jealousy can bring clarity and healing.
How do you feel knowing that God is jealous for His relationship with you? Can you think of ways you have had righteous and unrighteous feelings of jealousy for your spouse?
Scripture
About this Plan
![How to Deal With Jealousy in a Christian Marriage](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F32410%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
In the Old Testament, God describes himself as a jealous God. In other places in the Scriptures, human jealousy nearly always appears sinful. Can jealousy ever be a good thing for people to have? Can a husband or wife have good and right jealousy for their spouse?
More
Related Plans
![Beyond Mountains (S2-E8)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50017%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Beyond Mountains (S2-E8)
![Hidden Grapes: Finding Purpose in Secluded Seasons](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49501%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Hidden Grapes: Finding Purpose in Secluded Seasons
![Welcome to the Family: 10 Days for New Christians](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49719%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Welcome to the Family: 10 Days for New Christians
![Jeremiah: Forgiveness Despite Unfaithfulness | Video Devotional](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49490%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Jeremiah: Forgiveness Despite Unfaithfulness | Video Devotional
![5 Keys to Winning in Life: Wisdom From Proverbs](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50093%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
5 Keys to Winning in Life: Wisdom From Proverbs
![This Too Shall Pass](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49699%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
This Too Shall Pass
![Aspects of Prayer: A 3-Day Parenting Plan](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49491%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Aspects of Prayer: A 3-Day Parenting Plan
![In the Beginning: God Creates (Bible App for Kids)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49530%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
In the Beginning: God Creates (Bible App for Kids)
![4 Biblical Ways to Strengthen Your Finances](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F49516%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
4 Biblical Ways to Strengthen Your Finances
![4 Prayers to Heal a Marriage Damaged by Porn](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50369%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)