Jealousy This is an intense emotion that may be seen in a positive light as
zeal or in a negative light as envy. It is a single- minded devotion that, when turned to one’s self, produces hatred and
envy of others but, when turned beyond one’s self, produces intense zeal leading to total selflessness. The word
Jealousy is delivered from a Greek word “Zeloo” meaning to boil, may be translated “Zeal” or zealously depending on the context. The term is used for both
God and man (duet. 32:21, acts 7:9, rom 10:19). The Webster dictionary defines it as a state of fear, suspicion envy caused by real or imagined threat or challenged to one’s possessive instincts. It may be provoked by rivalry, especially in sexual love, by desire for the qualities of possessions of another, a
zealous desire to preserve an existing situation or relationship. The Bible and Jealousy The holy bible states some facts about this issue. God reveals himself as a jealous God (exodus 20:5; 34:14). He alone is the true living God and has the exclusive right to the worship and services of his people. He is jealous for the well being of his people (Zach. 1:14) he is a consuming fire against all evil both within and without Israel, but full of zeal on behalf of his salvation of his people (Due 4:24) God’s jealousy is provoked by idolatry and disobedience (Isaiah 59:17-18) because such a course
destroys those who pursue it. The matter of absolute right and wrong are always involved when God is concerned. Man can also possess a jealous or zeal for the thing for God. Elijah declared “I have been very zealous for the lord God almighty (1 king 19:10). In the New Testament, (2 cor11:2) Paul speaks of his godly jealousy. He indicates that the godly sorrow of these same Christians created in them an intense zeal for doing right. (2 cor7:11). Jealousy has a double meaning as it relates to man. In contrast to godly zeal there is envy. In genesis 4 is the first biblical illustration of the destructive and negative force of jealousy. (Cain’s murder of Abel). Paul makes it clear that envy is the antithesis of love (1
cor 13:4). He also identifies jealousy as being among the works of the flesh (Gal 5:20). It destroys one spiritually (Job 5:2) from a physiological perspective; jealousy in its negative sense distracts a person from his own genius and productivity, and ultimately destroys him. Jealousy destroys one’s entire perspective of the world, producing an enormous amount of intensions and conflict. Ways of counselling Jealousy Biblical teaching: the bible speaks on jealousy, which is a work of the flesh. Making the counselee see the consequences might help reduce this act. Learning to be co tempted: most people are not satisfied with what they have. So they are to be taught or educated on life management. Developing a good zealous spirit: counselees should build a good motive in them. And this can be achieved by surrendering to the guidance of the holy spirit. Teaching the principles of self consol: one should learn to be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. A healthy heart: Most jealous people are always filled with anger and self pity. Their mind should be taught to think positively not negatively Change of environment and relationship: Some counselees who cannot see good in others are advice to change location and move into new relationship Cross purposes: counselees should be advised to be objectives and not subjunctives in issues of life or people who to avoid robbing them of their feelings of belonging to the word. Finally, nothing can liberate an envious person, until he sees that he is the source of his own painful situation (C. Davis).
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