Wednesday, September 16, 2026

THE SWITCH NOBODY TOLD YOU ABOUT ( in other languages)

 THE SWITCH 

 NOBODY TOLD 

 YOU ABOUT 

Why Faith Doesn't Grow , It Switches On 


     Everything you've been taught about growing your faith is wrong. 

Faith doesn't grow. It doesn't increase gradually through spiritual disciplines and experiences. 

And the moment you understand what biblical faith actually does, the moment you see why it doesn't grow but switches on, you'll stop striving to develop something you already have and start activating what God already gave you. 

This changes everything. 

For decades, believers have been taught that faith is like a muscle. Start small, exercise it, work it, grow it over time, and if you're not seeing results, it's because your faith hasn't grown enough yet. 

But that entire model contradicts scripture because the Bible never once talks about faith growing. Not once. 

 Instead, scripture reveals that faith operates like a light switch. It's either on or off, operating or dormant, activated or inactive. 

And when you discover what flips that switch, when you understand why faith doesn't grow, but turns on in an instant, you'll move from years of frustration to immediate breakthrough. 

  Today, you're going to see exactly how faith works, why it doesn't grow, and what switches it on. 

Let's start by exposing the lie that keeps believers trapped in perpetual striving. 

The lie is this. You start with a little faith and through prayer, fasting, Bible study, and spiritual experiences, your faith gradually grows bigger and stronger. And the more you grow it, the more results you see. If you're not seeing results, it's because your faith isn't big enough yet. You need to grow more faith. And so believers spend years, sometimes decades, trying to grow their faith, trying to make it bigger, trying to make it stronger, trying to develop it through spiritual exercises, and they're exhausted because they're working to grow something that scripture says doesn't grow. 

Look at what Jesus Christ said in Luke 17:5-6. 

 The disciples came to Jesus and said, "Lord, increase our faith." They wanted more faith. They wanted Jesus to help them grow their faith. 

And what did Jesus say? 

Did he give them a program for faith development? Did he teach them exercises to strengthen their faith? No. 

Jesus said, if ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto the sycamine tree, "Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea, and it should obey you." If you had faith as small as a mustard seed, you could move mountains. 

The smallest seed, the tiniest amount, and it's enough. Do you see what Jesus is saying? 

The issue is not the size of your faith. The issue is whether you're using the faith you have. 

The disciples were asking for more faith when Jesus was telling them the faith they already had was sufficient. 

They thought they needed bigger faith. 

Jesus Christ said they needed to activate the faith they possessed. 

And that's the exact issue with most believers today. 

 They're trying to grow something they already have instead of activating it.

Romans 12:3 settles this completely. It says, "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." 

Dealt, past tense, done, finished. 

Every believer has been given the measure of faith. Not a little faith that needs to grow 

The measure, the full amount, the complete portion. 

You don't need more faith. You have the faith. 

The question is, is it switched on or switched off? 

Is it operating or dormant? 

Is it active or inactive? 

And the answer to that question determines whether you see results or stay stuck. 


I understood this perfectly.  "Faith does not grow. Faith is."

Why Faith Doesn't Grow — It Switches On 

 Faith of God was given to you complete at salvation. What grows is not faith itself, but your consciousness of the faith you already possess. 

And as your consciousness increases, your faith activates. 

The faith doesn't get bigger. It switches on. 

Faith does not grow. 

Faith is, that sentence should revolutionize how you approach your walk with God. 

 Because if faith doesn't grow, then the entire model of trying to develop more faith is backwards. 

You're not trying to get something you don't have.

 You're learning to activate something you already possess. 

So, what switches faith on? 

What activates the faith you already have? 

The answer is revelation. 

Specifically, revelation of what you already possess in Christ. 

Look at Romans 10:17. It says, "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Faith comes by hearing the Word, not by trying, not by striving, not by spiritual exercises designed to grow your faith, it is by hearing the Word of God. 

And as you hear, as the Word penetrates deeper, as revelation dawn, faith activates, not gradually, but suddenly, like a light switch. 

Think about how a light 💡 switch works. The electricity is always in the wiring, always present, always available, but the room stays dark until you flip the switch. And when you flip it, the light does not gradually grow brighter over time. It comes on instantly, fully, completely. 

That is exactly how faith operates. The faith is already in you. 

Romans 12:3 confirms it. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

God dealt it to you at salvation. It's there, complete, full, but it's dormant until something switches it on. 

And what switches it on is revelation. 

 The moment you see something in God's Word, the moment truth penetrates from your head to your heart, faith activates, not partially, fully in that instant. 

 Let me show you this principle in scripture. 

In Matthew 15:21-28, a Canaanite woman came to Jesus begging for her daughter's healing. Jesus initially didn't respond. His disciples wanted to send her away. Jesus even said He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. 

Everything about the situation said no. 

But the woman persisted. And then Jesus said something that seemed harsh. 

"It is not right to take the children's bread and to cast it to dogs." 

 And the woman's response revealed the moment faith switched on. 

She said, "Truth, Lord. Yet the dogs eat of the  crumbs which fall from their master's table." 

Do you see what happened? 

She heard Jesus call healing the children's bread.

 And in that instant, revelation hit. If healing is bread and bread is for eating, then healing is available. 

 It's provision. 

It's sustenance. 

It's meant to be taken and consumed. 

And even the dogs, even those outside the covenant get the crumbs. 

Her faith didn't grow gradually through that conversation. It switched on in a moment of revelation.

 And Jesus responded, "Oh woman, great is thy faith. Be it unto thee even as thou wilt

Great faith, not because she worked it up over time, because revelation activated it in an instant. 

Or look at the centurion in Matthew 8. He came to Jesus asking for his servant to be healed. Jesus offered to come to his house. And the centurion said,"Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For l am a man under authority, having soldiers under me." And I say to this one, "Go," and he goeth. And to another, "Come," and he cometh. And to my servant, do this, and he doeth it. 

The centurion understood authority. He saw that Jesus operated under the same principle. 

Speak the word and it's done.

 And the moment that revelation hit, faith switched on. 

Jesus said in Matthew 8:10, "I have not found so great faith. No, not in Israel. 

Great faith not developed over years, but activated in a moment of understanding. 

Let me give you another powerful example. 

Think about Peter in Matthew 16. Jesus asked the disciples, "Whom do ye say that l am?" And Peter answered, "'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." 

And Jesus responded in Matthew 16:17, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjonah, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven." 

Flesh and blood didn't reveal it. The Father did. 

 Revelation. And the moment that revelation hit Peter's heart, faith for everything Jesus said and did switched on. 

Not because Peter had been growing his faith over time, because in that moment he saw who Jesus was and seeing activated faith. 

  Or consider the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. They walked with resurrected Jesus Christ for hours without recognizing Him. He taught them from the scriptures. He explained everything concerning Himself. But their faith stayed dormant. 

And then in Luke 24:31, their eyes were opened and they knew Him. 

Their eyes were opened. Revelation occurred. 

And in that instant, everything Jesus had taught them, everything they'd witnessed, everything they'd heard suddenly made sense.

 Faith switched on, not gradually through the   conversation.

 Suddenly, when revelation dawned, this is the pattern throughout scripture. 

Every person who received from Jesus Christ experienced a moment when faith switched on. 

Not through gradual growth, but through sudden revelation. 

They saw something, they understood something, truth penetrated and faith activated. 

Peter walking on water in Matthew 14. The moment Jesus Christ said come, revelation hit. If he said come, I can walk on water. Faith switched on and he walked not because his faith had grown to walking on water but because revelation activated the faith he already had. 

And here's something critical to understand. When Peter started to sink, it wasn't because his faith shrank. It was because his focus shifted from revelation to circumstances. 

Revelation is based on revelation knowledge; circumstances is based on sense knowledge.

Peter looked at the waves instead of at Jesus Christ. And when his focus shifted, when he stopped operating from revelation and started operating from sight, faith switched off. 

Not because faith decreased in size, because he stopped focusing on what activated it. 

And the moment Jesus grabbed him and said, "Oh thou of little faith, wherefore did thou doubt?" 

Jesus wasn't rebuking Peter for not having enough faith. He was pointing out that Peter had faith. It had been switched on. And then Peter let doubt turn it off by looking at circumstances instead of at Christ. This reveals something profound. Faith switches on through revelation. And it stays on as long as you keep your focus on the revelation. 

 But the moment you shift focus from God's word to circumstances, from His promise to perceived problem, from Christ to crisis, faith switches off. 

Not because faith shrank, because you stopped focusing on what keeps it activated. 

This is why Hebrews 12:2 commands us to be looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 

Keep looking at Jesus Christ. 

Keep your focus on HIM because He's the Author and Finisher. He initiated your faith. He completes it. 

And as long as you're looking at HIM, at His Word, at His promises, faith stays switched on. 

 Now, let's connect this to everything you've learned in this series. 

You know you're righteous in Christ. But has that truth switched on your faith for righteous living? 

Or is it still just head knowledge? 

You know you're healed by the stripes of Jesus, but has that truth activated your faith for manifestation? 

Or are you still trying to grow enough faith to believe it? 

You know God supplies all your need, but has that revelation switched on your faith for provision? Or are you still striving to develop faith for finances? 

The difference between knowing truth and experiencing truth is the switch. 

The moment revelation moves from your head to your heart, faith activates. 

And when faith activates, things change. 

Not gradually, suddenly, not through process, through power. 

Because faith, when it's on, releases the power of God. 

 And the power of God doesn't need time to work. It works instantly. 

 Let there be light. And there was light in Genesis 1:3. 

Lazarus, come forth. And he came forth in John 11:43. 

 Peace, be still. And the storm ceased in Mark 4:39. 

That's how God's power operates instantly.

And faith is what releases it. Not faith that's grown big enough. Faith that's switched on. 

I said it powerfully. 

The believer who understands that faith is already complete within him stops trying to develop it and starts learning to activate it. And activation comes through revelation. 

The more you see of who you are in Christ, the more your faith switches on. Not because faith grew, it is because consciousness increased. 

The believer who understands that faith is already complete stops trying to develop it. That's the shift. That's the revolution. 

You're not developing faith, you're discovering faith. You're not growing faith.

You're activating it. And activation happens through seeing, not striving. 

Here's where everything comes to a point. The reason most believers never see consistent results from their faith is not because their faith is too small. 

 It is because their faith has never switched on. They have faith. Romans 12:3 guarantees it, (in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.) but it's dormant, inactive, turned off, and it stays off because they're focused on trying to grow it instead of learning what activates it. 

They're working to develop something they already have instead of receiving revelation that switches it on. 

But when you understand that faith does not grow, when you see that it's already complete and you just need to activate it, everything shifts. 

You stop striving to develop more faith and start   feeding on revelation that switches faith on. 

You stop trying to feel more confident and start seeing more clearly.

You stop working spiritual exercises to grow your faith and start meditating on truth that activates your faith. And the moment revelation hits, the moment you see who you are in Christ, what you have in Christ, what God has already done, faith switches on, not partially, but fully. 

And results follow. Not because your faith grew, it is because your faith activated. This is exactly what Jesus meant in John 8:32 when He said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 

Knowing truth makes you free, not trying to believe  truth, knowing it. 

When you know something, when it's settled in your consciousness, when you see it clearly, faith for that truth activates and activation produces freedom immediately.

You stop working spiritual exercises to grow your faith and start meditating on truth that activates your faith. 

And the moment revelation hits, the moment you see who you are in Christ, what you have in Christ, what God has already done, faith switches on, not partially, but fully. 

And results follow. Not because your faith grew, because your faith activated. 

This is exactly what Jesus meant in John 8:32 when he said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 

Knowing truth makes you free, not trying to believe truth, knowing it. When you know something, when it's settled in your consciousness, when you see it clearly, faith for that truth activates and activation produces freedom immediately.


(French) L'INTERRUPTEUR DONT PERSONNE NE VOUS A PARLÉ


Pourquoi la foi ne « grandit » pas, mais s'active


Tout ce qu'on vous a enseigné sur la croissance de la foi est faux.


La foi ne grandit pas. Elle n'augmente pas progressivement grâce aux disciplines spirituelles et aux expériences.


Dès l'instant où vous comprendrez ce que fait réellement la foi biblique — et pourquoi elle ne grandit pas mais s'active —, vous cesserez d'essayer de développer quelque chose que vous possédez déjà pour commencer à activer ce que Dieu vous a déjà donné.


Cela change tout.


Pendant des décennies, on a appris aux croyants que la foi est comme un muscle : on commence petit, on l'exerce, on la travaille, on la fait grandir avec le temps ; et si l'on ne voit pas de résultats, c'est parce que la foi n'a pas encore assez grandi.


Mais tout ce modèle contredit les Écritures, car la Bible ne parle jamais de la croissance de la foi. Jamais.


Au contraire, les Écritures révèlent que la foi fonctionne comme un interrupteur. Elle est soit allumée, soit éteinte ; active ou en sommeil ; en fonction ou inactive.


Et lorsque vous découvrirez ce qui actionne cet interrupteur, lorsque vous comprendrez pourquoi la foi ne grandit pas mais s'allume en un instant, vous passerez d'années de frustration à une percée immédiate.


Aujourd'hui, vous allez voir exactement comment fonctionne la foi, pourquoi elle ne grandit pas et ce qui l'active.


Commençons par démasquer le mensonge qui maintient les croyants prisonniers d'une lutte perpétuelle.


Ce mensonge est le suivant : vous commencez avec un peu de foi et, grâce à la prière, au jeûne, à l'étude de la Bible et aux expériences spirituelles, votre foi devient progressivement plus grande et plus forte. Plus vous la développez, plus vous voyez de résultats. Si vous ne voyez pas de résultats, c'est parce que votre foi n'est pas encore assez grande. Vous devez accroître votre foi. Ainsi, les croyants passent des années, parfois des décennies, à essayer de faire grandir leur foi, à chercher à l'amplifier, à la renforcer, à la développer par des exercices spirituels ; ils s'épuisent à vouloir faire croître quelque chose qui, selon les Écritures, ne grandit pas.


Voyez ce que Jésus-Christ a dit dans Luc 17:5-6.


Les disciples vinrent trouver Jésus et dirent : « Seigneur, augmente notre foi. » Ils voulaient plus de foi. Ils voulaient que Jésus les aide à accroître leur foi.


Et qu'a répondu Jésus ?


Leur a-t-il donné un programme pour développer leur foi ? Leur a-t-il enseigné des exercices pour la renforcer ? Non.


Jésus a dit : « Si vous aviez de la foi comme un grain de sénevé, vous pourriez dire à ce sycomore : "Déracine-toi et plante-toi dans la mer", et il vous obéirait. » Si vous aviez une foi aussi petite qu'un grain de sénevé, vous pourriez déplacer des montagnes.


La plus petite graine, la quantité la plus infime, et cela suffit. Comprenez-vous ce que dit Jésus ?


La question n'est pas la taille de votre foi. La question est de savoir si vous utilisez la foi que vous possédez déjà.


Les disciples réclamaient davantage de foi, alors que Jésus leur disait que celle qu'ils avaient déjà suffisait.


Ils croyaient avoir besoin d'une foi plus grande.


Jésus-Christ leur disait qu'ils devaient activer la foi qu'ils possédaient déjà.


C'est exactement le problème de la plupart des croyants aujourd'hui.


Ils essaient de faire grandir quelque chose qu'ils possèdent déjà, au lieu de l'activer.


Romains 12:3 tranche définitivement la question. Il est écrit : « Dieu a départi à chacun la mesure de la foi. »


« Départi » : un verbe au passé ; c'est fait, c'est accompli.


Chaque croyant a reçu la mesure de la foi. Pas une petite foi qui aurait besoin de grandir...


La mesure, la quantité totale, la part complète.


Vous n'avez pas besoin de plus de foi. Vous possédez déjà la foi.


La question est de savoir si elle est activée ou non.  


Est-elle en action ou en sommeil ? 


Est-elle active ou inactive ? 


Et la réponse à cette question détermine si vous verrez des résultats ou si vous resterez bloqué. 



J'ai parfaitement compris cela : « La foi ne grandit pas. La foi *est*. »


Pourquoi la foi ne grandit pas — elle s'active 


 La foi de Dieu vous a été donnée dans sa plénitude au moment du salut. Ce qui grandit, ce n'est pas la foi elle-même, mais votre *conscience* de la foi que vous possédez déjà. 


Et à mesure que votre conscience s'accroît, votre foi s'active. 


La foi ne grossit pas. Elle *s'active*. 


La foi ne grandit pas. 


« La foi *est* » : cette phrase devrait révolutionner votre façon d'aborder votre marche avec Dieu. 


 Car si la foi ne grandit pas, alors toute l'approche consistant à essayer de développer davantage de foi est erronée. 


Vous n'essayez pas d'obtenir quelque chose que vous n'avez pas.


 Vous apprenez à activer quelque chose que vous possédez déjà. 


Alors, qu'est-ce qui active la foi ? 

Qu'est-ce qui active la foi que vous possédez déjà ?


La réponse est la révélation.


Plus précisément, la révélation de ce que vous possédez déjà en Christ.


Regardez Romains 10:17. Il est écrit : « Ainsi la foi vient de ce qu'on entend, et ce qu'on entend vient de la parole de Dieu. »


La foi vient en entendant la Parole ; non pas en faisant des efforts, ni en luttant, ni par des exercices spirituels destinés à faire grandir votre foi, mais en entendant la Parole de Dieu.


Et à mesure que vous écoutez, que la Parole pénètre plus profondément, que la révélation surgit, la foi s'active — non pas progressivement, mais soudainement, comme un interrupteur.


Pensez au fonctionnement d'un interrupteur 💡. L'électricité est toujours dans les fils, toujours présente, toujours disponible, mais la pièce reste dans l'obscurité tant que vous n'actionnez pas l'interrupteur. Et lorsque vous l'actionnez, la lumière ne gagne pas en intensité progressivement avec le temps. Elle s'allume instantanément, pleinement, totalement.


C'est exactement ainsi que fonctionne la foi. La foi est déjà en vous.


Romains 12:3 le confirme. « Par la grâce qui m'a été donnée, je dis à chacun de vous de ne pas avoir de lui-même une trop haute opinion, mais de revêtir des sentiments modestes, selon la mesure de foi que Dieu a départie à chacun. »


Dieu vous l'a donnée au moment du salut. Elle est là, complète, entière, mais elle reste en sommeil jusqu'à ce que quelque chose l'active.


Et ce qui l'active, c'est la révélation.


Au moment où vous saisissez quelque chose dans la Parole de Dieu, au moment où la vérité passe de votre intelligence à votre cœur, la foi s'active — non pas partiellement, mais pleinement, à cet instant précis.


Laissez-moi vous montrer ce principe dans les Écritures.


Dans Matthieu 15:21-28, une femme cananéenne vint supplier Jésus de guérir sa fille. Au début, Jésus ne répondit pas. Ses disciples voulaient la renvoyer. Jésus dit même qu'il n'avait été envoyé qu'aux brebis perdues d'Israël.


Tout dans cette situation semblait dire non.


Mais la femme persévéra. Et puis, Jésus a dit quelque chose qui semblait dur.


« Il n'est pas bon de prendre le pain des enfants et de le jeter aux chiens. »


Et la réponse de la femme a révélé l'instant précis où la foi s'est allumée.


Elle a dit : « C'est vrai, Seigneur ; pourtant, les chiens mangent les miettes qui tombent de la table de leurs maîtres. »


Voyez-vous ce qui s'est passé ?


Elle a entendu Jésus qualifier la guérison de « pain des enfants ».


Et à cet instant, la révélation a jailli. Si la guérison est du pain et que le pain est fait pour être mangé, alors la guérison est disponible.


C'est une provision.


C'est une nourriture.


C'est destiné à être pris et consommé.


Et même les chiens, même ceux qui sont en dehors de l'alliance, obtiennent les miettes.


Sa foi n'a pas grandi progressivement au fil de cette conversation. Elle s'est allumée en un instant de révélation.


Et Jésus a répondu : « Ô femme, grande est ta foi. Qu'il te soit fait comme tu le veux. »


Une grande foi, non pas parce qu'elle l'avait construite avec le temps, mais parce qu'une révélation l'avait activée en un instant.


Ou bien, regardez le centenier dans Matthieu 8. Il est venu voir Jésus pour demander la guérison de son serviteur. Jésus a proposé de venir chez lui. Et le centenier a dit : « Seigneur, je ne suis pas digne que tu entres sous mon toit ; mais dis seulement un mot, et mon serviteur sera guéri. Car moi, je suis un homme soumis à des supérieurs, ayant des soldats sous mes ordres. » Et je dis à l'un : « Va », et il va. À un autre : « Viens », et il vient. Et à mon serviteur : « Fais ceci », et il le fait.


Le centenier comprenait l'autorité. Il a vu que Jésus agissait selon le même principe.


Prononcez la parole et c'est accompli.


Et au moment où cette révélation a jailli, la foi s'est allumée.


Jésus a dit dans Matthieu 8:10 : « Je n'ai pas trouvé une aussi grande foi. » Non, pas en Israël.


Une foi immense qui ne s'est pas construite au fil des années, mais qui s'est éveillée en un instant de révélation.


Laissez-moi vous donner un autre exemple frappant.


Pensez à Pierre dans Matthieu 16. Jésus a demandé à ses disciples : « Et vous, qui dites-vous que je suis ? » Et Pierre a répondu : « Tu es le Christ, le Fils du Dieu vivant. »


Et Jésus a répondu, dans Matthieu 16:17 : « Tu es heureux, Simon, fils de Jonas ; car ce ne sont pas la chair et le sang qui t'ont révélé cela, mais c'est mon Père qui est dans les cieux. »

Ce ne sont pas la chair et le sang qui le lui ont révélé. C'est le Père.

Une révélation. Et au moment précis où cette révélation a touché le cœur de Pierre, la foi en tout ce que Jésus disait et faisait s'est allumée.

Ce n'est pas parce que Pierre avait développé sa foi au fil du temps ; c'est parce qu'à cet instant, il a vu qui était Jésus, et cette vision a déclenché la foi.

Ou bien, pensez aux disciples sur le chemin d'Emmaüs, dans Luc 24. Ils ont marché avec Jésus-Christ ressuscité pendant des heures sans le reconnaître. Il les a instruits à partir des Écritures. Il a tout expliqué à son propre sujet. Mais leur foi est restée en sommeil.

Puis, dans Luc 24:31, leurs yeux se sont ouverts et ils l'ont reconnu.

Leurs yeux se sont ouverts. La révélation a eu lieu.

Et à cet instant, tout ce que Jésus leur avait enseigné, tout ce dont ils avaient été témoins, tout ce qu'ils avaient entendu a soudain pris tout son sens.

La foi s'est allumée, non pas progressivement au fil de la conversation...

...mais soudainement, lorsque la révélation a jailli. C'est le modèle que l'on retrouve dans toutes les Écritures.

Chaque personne ayant reçu quelque chose de Jésus-Christ a connu un moment où la foi s'est allumée.

Non pas par une croissance graduelle, mais par une révélation soudaine.

Ils ont vu quelque chose, ils ont compris quelque chose ; la vérité a pénétré leur cœur et la foi s'est activée.


Prenons l'exemple de Pierre marchant sur l'eau dans Matthieu 14. Au moment même où Jésus-Christ a dit « Viens », la révélation a frappé. « S'Il dit "viens", alors je peux marcher sur l'eau. » La foi s'est alors activée ; il a marché, non pas parce que sa foi avait grandi au point de permettre de marcher sur l'eau, mais parce que la révélation a activé la foi qu'il possédait déjà.


Et voici un point crucial à comprendre : lorsque Pierre a commencé à s'enfoncer, ce n'est pas parce que sa foi avait diminué. C'est parce qu'il a détourné son attention de la révélation pour la porter sur les circonstances.


La révélation repose sur une connaissance issue de la révélation, tandis que les circonstances relèvent de la connaissance sensorielle.


Pierre a regardé les vagues au lieu de regarder Jésus-Christ. Et lorsque son attention a basculé — lorsqu'il a cessé d'agir selon la révélation pour agir selon ce qu'il voyait —, la foi s'est désactivée.


Non pas parce que sa foi avait diminué, mais parce qu'il a cessé de se concentrer sur ce qui l'activait.


Et au moment où Jésus l'a saisi en disant : « Homme de peu de foi, pourquoi as-tu douté ? »...


Jésus ne reprochait pas à Pierre de ne pas avoir assez de foi. Il soulignait au contraire que Pierre *avait* de la foi ; elle avait été activée. Mais Pierre a laissé le doute l'éteindre en regardant les circonstances plutôt que le Christ. Cela révèle une vérité profonde : la foi s'active grâce à la révélation. Et elle reste active tant que vous gardez les yeux fixés sur cette révélation.


Mais dès l'instant où vous détournez votre attention de la Parole de Dieu vers les circonstances, de Sa promesse vers le problème perçu, du Christ vers la crise, la foi s'éteint.


Non pas parce que la foi a diminué, mais parce que vous avez cessé de vous concentrer sur ce qui la maintient active.


C'est pourquoi Hébreux 12:2 nous ordonne de garder les yeux fixés sur Jésus, l'auteur et le consommateur de notre foi.


Continuez à regarder Jésus-Christ.


Gardez votre attention fixée sur LUI, car Il est l'Auteur et le Consommateur. C'est Lui qui a initié votre foi. C'est Lui qui l'achève. Et tant que vous gardez les yeux fixés sur LUI, sur Sa Parole et sur Ses promesses, la foi reste activée.


Relions maintenant cela à tout ce que vous avez appris dans cette série.


Vous savez que vous êtes juste en Christ. Mais cette vérité a-t-elle activé votre foi pour vivre dans la justice ?


Ou s'agit-il encore d'une simple connaissance intellectuelle ?


Vous savez que vous êtes guéri par les meurtrissures de Jésus, mais cette vérité a-t-elle activé votre foi pour voir cette guérison se manifester ?


Ou essayez-vous encore d'accumuler assez de foi pour y croire ?


Vous savez que Dieu pourvoit à tous vos besoins, mais cette révélation a-t-elle activé votre foi pour recevoir cette provision ? Ou vous efforcez-vous encore de développer la foi nécessaire pour vos finances ?


La différence entre connaître la vérité et faire l'expérience de la vérité, c'est l'activation.


Dès l'instant où la révélation passe de votre tête à votre cœur, la foi s'active.


Et lorsque la foi s'active, les choses changent.


Pas progressivement, mais soudainement ; non pas par un processus, mais par la puissance.


Car la foi, lorsqu'elle est activée, libère la puissance de Dieu.


Et la puissance de Dieu n'a pas besoin de temps pour agir. Elle agit instantanément.


« Que la lumière soit. » Et la lumière fut (Genèse 1:3).


« Lazare, sors ! » Et il sortit (Jean 11:43).


« Paix, tais-toi ! » Et la tempête cessa (Marc 4:39).


C'est ainsi que la puissance de Dieu opère : instantanément.


Et c'est la foi qui la libère. Non pas une foi qui a suffisamment grandi, mais une foi qui est activée.


Je le dis avec force :


Le croyant qui comprend que la foi est déjà complète en lui cesse d'essayer de la développer et commence à apprendre à l'activer. Or, cette activation s'opère par la révélation.


Plus vous prenez conscience de qui vous êtes en Christ, plus votre foi s'active. Non pas parce que la foi a grandi, mais parce que votre conscience s'est accrue. Le croyant qui comprend que la foi est déjà complète cesse d'essayer de la développer. C'est là que s'opère le changement. C'est là que réside la révolution.


Vous ne développez pas la foi, vous la découvrez. Vous ne faites pas croître la foi.


Vous l'activez. Et cette activation s'opère par la vision, non par l'effort.


C'est ici que tout se joue. Si la plupart des croyants ne voient jamais de résultats constants découlant de leur foi, ce n'est pas parce que leur foi est trop petite.


C'est parce que leur foi ne s'est jamais « allumée ». Ils possèdent la foi — Romains 12:3 le garantit (« selon la mesure de foi que Dieu a départie à chacun de vous ») — mais elle est en sommeil, inactive, éteinte ; et elle le reste parce qu'ils s'acharnent à vouloir la faire grandir au lieu d'apprendre ce qui l'active.


Ils s'efforcent de développer quelque chose qu'ils possèdent déjà, au lieu de recevoir la révélation qui déclenche son activation.


Mais lorsque vous comprenez que la foi ne croît pas, lorsque vous voyez qu'elle est déjà complète et qu'il suffit de l'activer, tout bascule.


Vous cessez de lutter pour développer davantage de foi et commencez à vous nourrir de la révélation qui l'active.


Vous cessez d'essayer de vous sentir plus confiant et commencez à voir plus clair.


Vous cessez de vous livrer à des exercices spirituels pour faire grandir votre foi et commencez à méditer sur la vérité qui l'active. Et à l'instant précis où la révélation survient — lorsque vous voyez qui vous êtes en Christ, ce que vous possédez en Christ et ce que Dieu a déjà accompli — la foi s'active, non pas partiellement, mais pleinement.

Et les résultats suivent. Non pas parce que votre foi a grandi, mais parce qu'elle s'est activée.


C'est précisément ce que Jésus voulait dire dans Jean 8:32 : « Vous connaîtrez la vérité, et la vérité vous rendra libres. »


Connaître la vérité vous libère, non pas essayer d'y croire, mais la connaître. Quand on sait quelque chose, quand c'est ancré dans notre conscience, quand on le voit clairement, la foi en cette vérité s'active et cette activation produit immédiatement la liberté.




How does God's jealousy differ from human jealousy?

 How does God's jealousy differ from human jealousy? 

In conclusion, God's jealousy is fundamentally different from human jealousy. 

It is not characterized by insecurity or selfishness, but by His holy passion for His people and His desire for their ultimate good. 

It is an expression of His perfect love, justice and righteousness. 

As we grow in our understanding of God's jealousy, we are invited to respond with gratitude and devotion, recognizing that God's jealousy is a profound testament to His unwavering love and commitment to us. 

Through this lens, we see that God's jealousy is not something to be feared, but rather embraced as a beautiful aspect of His divine nature, drawing us ever closer to Him.

"Tell my people I love them."

 The most powerful prophecies are the simplest reminders of God's love to His people. It is a simple , powerful message of God's heart to and for His people. 


  The concept of God's jealousy is one that often perplexes many believers and seekers alike. 

When we think of jealousy in human terms, it often conjures images of envy, insecurity, and possessiveness. 

These are emotions that can lead to destructive behaviour and are generally viewed negatively within both secular and religious moral frameworks. 

However, when the Bible speaks of God as a "jealous God," it is essential to understand that this is not an indication of divine imperfection or pettiness, but rather a reflection of His profound love and commitment to His people.


   To comprehend how God's jealousy differs from human jealousy, we must first explore the biblical context in which God's jealousy is mentioned. 

In the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Exodus, God declares Himself to be a "jealous God" (Exodus 20:5). 

This declaration comes in the context of the Ten Commandments, where God instructs the Israelites to worship no other gods. 

Here, God's jealousy is directly linked to His covenant relationship with His people. 

Unlike human jealousy, which often stems from insecurity or a fear of losing something, God's jealousy is rooted in His desire for the exclusive devotion of His people, whom He loves deeply.


   The Hebrew word for jealousy used in these contexts is "qanna," which carries a connotation of zeal or ardor. [Ardor is a noun that means great warmth of feeling, passion, enthusiasm, fervour or zeal. Key Definitions: Passion and Love: An intense emotional warmth or romantic devotion. Zeal and Energy: Extreme vigor, excitement, or eager interest in a cause or activity. Literal Heat: (Rare or archaic) A burning or intense physical heat.]

   It is a passionate intensity that reflects God's commitment to His covenant. 

God's jealousy is not about Him needing something from us, but rather about His desire for us to live in the fullness of the relationship He has designed for us. 

He knows that when we turn to other "gods" or idols—whether they be material wealth, power, or any other earthly pursuit—we are ultimately settling for something far less than what He intends for us. 

In this sense, God's jealousy is protective, not possessive. 

God is like a loving parent who desires what is best for their child, even if the child cannot see it at the moment.


   To further differentiate God's jealousy from human jealousy, it is helpful to consider the nature of God's love. 

In 1 John 4:8, we are told that "God is love." 

This foundational truth about God's character informs all of His actions, including His jealousy. 

Human jealousy often arises from a place of lack—an absence of love, feeling lack of security, or without self-worth. 

It can lead to destructive behaviors such as manipulation, control, and even violence. 

In contrast, God's jealousy is an expression of His perfect love. 

It is not born out of deficiency but birthed out of the fullness of His divine love character. 

God's jealousy seeks our good and His glory, which are ultimately intertwined.


  C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Problem of Pain," eloquently describes God's love as "a consuming fire," a love that is both fierce and purifying. 

This imagery helps us understand that God's jealousy is not about Him being threatened by our wandering affections, but about His desire to refine us and draw us closer to Him.

 Just as a fire purifies gold by removing impurities, God's jealousy seeks to remove the idols and distractions in our lives that keep us from experiencing the fullness of His love and purpose.


   Moreover, God's jealousy is consistent with His justice and righteousness. 

In human relationships, jealousy can often lead to unjust actions, as it is frequently driven by selfish motives. 

However, God's jealousy is always aligned with His just nature.

God is not capricious or vindictive; rather, His jealousy is an aspect of His righteous indignation against anything that harms His creation or detracts from His glory. [Capricious means changing mood, behavior, or plans suddenly and without a clear reason. Capricious, is an adjective, core meaning: used to describe people who act on impulse, or things like weather and markets that shift without warning. ]

In this way, God's jealousy is a call to holiness and a reminder of His rightful place as the sovereign Lord of all.


   The prophet Hosea provides a poignant illustration of God's jealousy through his own life. 

God commands Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman who is unfaithful to him, as a representation of Israel's unfaithfulness to God (Hosea 1-3). 

Despite Gomer's infidelity, Hosea's persistent love and pursuit of her mirror God's relentless love for His people. 

This narrative highlights the contrast between human jealousy, which might lead to abandonment or revenge, and God's jealousy, which leads to redemption and restoration.


  In the New Testament, the apostle Paul echoes the theme of divine jealousy in his letters to the Corinthian church. 

In 2 Corinthians 11:2,  apostle Paul expresses a "divine jealousy" for the church, desiring them to be presented as a pure bride to Christ. 

Here, apostle Paul's use of jealousy is aligned with God's own jealousy, emphasizing a desire for purity and devotion to God above all else.


  Understanding God's jealousy also invites us to reflect on our own lives and priorities.

 It challenges us to consider the idols we may have erected in place of God—those things we turn to for security, identity, or satisfaction. 

God's jealousy is a call to return to Him, to align our hearts with His, and to live in the freedom that comes from worshiping the one true God.


In conclusion, God's jealousy is fundamentally different from human jealousy. It is not characterized by insecurity or selfishness, but by a holy passion for His people and a desire for their ultimate good. It is an expression of His perfect love, justice, and righteousness. As we grow in our understanding of God's jealousy, we are invited to respond with gratitude and devotion, recognizing that His jealousy is a profound testament to His unwavering love and commitment to us. Through this lens, we see that God's jealousy is not something to be feared, but rather embraced as a beautiful aspect of His divine nature, drawing us ever closer to Him.


God's jealousy is a divine attribute reflecting His desire for exclusive devotion and love from His creation, while human jealousy often stems from insecurity and a desire to possess or control others. These two forms of jealousy differ significantly in their motivations and implications.

 

Understanding Jealousy: 

Divine vs. Human

Nature of Jealousy

Aspect ¹Divine Jealousy ²Human Jealousy

Source ¹Reflects God's desire for exclusive devotion ²Often stems from insecurity and fear of loss

Motivation ¹Aimed at fostering a loving relationship ²Driven by possessiveness and control

Implications ¹Encourages faithfulness and loyalty ²Can lead to conflict and resentment


Key Differences

Divine Jealousy: This form of jealousy is a divine attribute of God, emphasizing His desire for exclusive love and devotion from His creation. It is rooted in a perfect love that seeks the best for those He loves.

Human Jealousy: In contrast, human jealousy is often characterized by insecurity and a need to possess or control others. It can lead to negative emotions and actions, such as anger or bitterness.

Conclusion

The distinction between God's jealousy and human jealousy lies in their motivations and outcomes. While divine jealousy promotes a deeper relationship with God, human jealousy can result in harmful behaviors and strained relationships. Understanding these differences can help individuals navigate their feelings and foster healthier connections with others.


God's jealousy is a divine attribute reflecting His desire for exclusive devotion and love from His creation, while human jealousy often stems from insecurity and a desire to possess or control others. These two forms of jealousy differ significantly in their motivations and implications.


Understanding Jealousy:

Divine vs. Human

  Nature of Jealousy 
AspectDivine Jealousy
SourceReflects God's desire for exclusive devotion
MotivationAimed at fostering a loving relationship
ImplicationsEncourages faithfulness and loyalty

Aspect: Human Jealousy

 Source : Often stems from insecurity and fear of 
 loss

 Motivation : Driven by possessiveness and
control

Implications : Can lead to conflict and
resentment

  Key Differences

  • Divine Jealousy: This form of jealousy 
  • is a divine attribute of God, 
  • emphasizing His desire for exclusive 
  • love and devotion from His creation. 
  • It is rooted in a perfect love that 
  • seeks the best for those He loves.
  • Human Jealousy: In contrast, human

  • jealousy is often characterized by

  • insecurity and a need to possess or

  • control others. It can lead to negative

  • emotions and actions, such as anger

  • or bitterness.

Conclusion

The distinction between God's jealousy

and human jealousy lies in their

motivations and outcomes.

While divine jealousy promotes a deeper

relationship with God, human jealousy

can result in harmful behaviors and

strained relationships. Understanding

these differences can help individuals

navigate their feelings and foster

healthier connections with others.


Hisjealousyvsour

1. jealousy vs. jealousy

Time and again in the Bible, God describes Himself as a jealous God, and yet, we as humans are told not to be jealous. How can this be? This question has caused some people to stumble, largely because they have not understood God’s character, or the meaning of the word “jealousy” properly.

Famously, Oprah Winfrey has stumbled on this question and publicly turned aside to counterfeit forms of faith as a result.

Oprah wondered how God could be jealous of her. It was a fair question, and the answer is actually quite simple. God was never jealous of her; He is jealous for her. Indeed, there is no reason whatsoever for God to be jealous of any of us. But God is jealous for Oprah, just as He is for all of us.

Sadly, Oprah dismissed God because of her confusion, but we don’t have to be confused. Let’s explore this concept in more detail.

2. definition of “jealous”

Let’s start by taking a look at what jealousy is. There are three basic meanings to the word, as defined by Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster. Let’s take a look at each definition:

a. definition 1: feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.

This definition of jealousy is the kind we tend to think of first, meaning that one person is sinfully jealous of another person, their possessions, or their accomplishments.

This is a form of jealousy that most of us can relate to. We wish we had the possessions or success of someone we know, and we harbor bitterness because we don’t have what someone else has.

This kind of jealousy is sinful. One synonym of this first form of jealousy is covetous. It means to want something that your neighbor has, to the point that you want yourself to have it instead of your neighbor. This is specifically commanded against in Exodus 20:17:

exodus 20:17

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Another synonym for this form of jealousy is envy. Envy, as defined by Dictionary.com, is a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. Instead of being happy for our neighbor who has what we don’t have, we resent him, not content with what God has given us. This kind of jealously does is not loving, and is therefore sinful, as these Scripture passages remind us:

job 5:2

Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.

proverbs 3:31-32

Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. 32 For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.

proverbs 14:30

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

proverbs 23:17

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

proverbs 24:1-2

Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; 2 for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.

While the passages above clearly tell us not to envy others or what they have gained through evil means or any other means, the next few passages turn up the volume on this point, listing envy among other sins that we might consider to be especially awful:

mark 7:20-23

He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

romans 1:28-31

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.

Galatians 5:19-21

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Titus 3:3-7

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

James 3:14-16

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

1 Peter 2:1

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

In addition to the warnings given in Scripture about the dangers of envious jealousy, we can also see examples of how this form of jealousy led people into sin. Consider just a couple of examples:

acts 7:9

“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him

acts 17:4-5

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.

Envious jealousy, as we have seen it defined here, is sinful because it shows discontentment with what God has done for us. This kind of jealousy is the opposite of the Godliness that is great gain for us:

1 timothy 6:3-6

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to Godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that Godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Finally, this form of envious jealousy is sinful because quite simply, it is not loving.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

What we can clearly see here is that this first definition of jealousy–this envious, resentful and discontented version–is sinful. It does not seek the best interests of our neighbors and does not wish them well. It is not Godly, not loving, and not right.

b. but how can God be jealous if jealousy is a sin?

Clearly, since this definition of jealousy is sinful, this is not the kind of jealousy that God exhibits. We must never forget the fact that God is holy and sinless! Consider these Bible passages:

2 Corinthians 5:21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

1 John 3:5

But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

Isaiah 53:9

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

nor was any deceit in his mouth.

1 Peter 1:18-19

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Clearly from these passages and others, God is holy and righteous and completely without sin. Therefore, when God says that He is a jealous God, He cannot be talking about the envious, sinful type of jealousy we’ve discussed so far.

The answer to our question, then, is in the other definitions of jealousy. Let’s take a look at the next one:

 

c. jealousy definition 2: feeling suspicious or angry because of unfaithfulness in a relationship

This type of jealousy is the kind that a husband might have for his wife when another man is making advances on her, or when she is not being faithful to him. It comes when a person who owes loyalty and faithfulness to you behaves unfaithfully.

Unlike the envious. sinful type of jealousy we studied earlier, this form of jealousy is appropriate in some circumstances. While a boyfriend might not be fully justified in being jealous for the affections of his girlfriend, who does not yet belong to him, a husband is certainly justified in being jealous for the faithfulness of his wife, and the wife for her husband.

It is no accident that God describes the church as the Bride of Christ. Indeed, believers in Christ do belong to Him. As we previously mentioned, God has no reason to be jealous of us or of anything we possess or have achieved. After, all, everything we have is from Him. But it is completely appropriate for God to be jealous for us, because we belong to Him.

In Joshua chapter 24, Joshua explains to his people that God is not only jealous, He is holy.

Joshua 24:19-20

Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign Gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.”

Clearly, God’s jealousy for us is not sinful. If it was, then God could not be holy. But since we know that God is both holy and jealous, we know that God’s jealousy for us is not only not sinful, it is right.

And so, when properly understood, these Biblical examples of God’s jealousy prove to be appropriate and just.

exodus 34:14

Do not worship any other God, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

exodus 20:5-6

You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 5:8-10

“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 6:13-15

Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other Gods, the Gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.

Deuteronomy 24:23-24

Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

God was telling the truth when He said He was a jealous God, and in this next example, we see exactly what it is that makes Him jealous.

Deuteronomy 32:16-18

They made him jealous with their foreign Gods

and angered him with their detestable idols.

17 They sacrificed to false Gods, which are not God

Gods they had not known,

Gods that recently appeared,

Gods your ancestors did not fear.

18 You deserted the Rock, who fathered you;

you forgot the God who gave you birth.

In this example, God’s chosen people, whom He had created, provided for, cared for and loved, turned away from Him to worship foreign Gods. No wonder God was jealous!

When we remember that God created us and that we owe everything to Him, it becomes perfectly understandable that He is jealous for us.

Just as the husband who has married his wife and who cares for her, provides for her and loves her is right in being jealous for his wife, God is right in being jealous for us. In fact, a wife would be concerned if her husband wasn’t appropriately jealous for her.

We should not only accept that God is jealous for us; we should be glad that God is jealous for us. God’s jealousy for us is actually proof of our importance to Him and His love for us!

 

d. jealousy definition 3: fiercely protective or vigilant of one’s rights and possessions

This third form of jealousy comes into play when something or someone threatens or harms someone or something that belongs to us. Even if unfaithfulness is not present, an urge to protect is in play.

For example, if a man makes advances on another man’s wife, her husband would be right in being jealous. Even though his wife hasn’t been unfaithful, her husband becomes jealous to protect his wife from the stranger.

Similarly, parents are rightly jealous, in the protective sense, when other kids are cruel to their children on the playground.

We see God’s protective jealousy at work in the following examples, when other nations whom God had used to punish Israel’s disobedience went too far, or took pleasure in Israel’s suffering. Although God brought about Israel’s punishment from His jealousy for their unfaithfulness, His protective jealousy was now kicking in, as these examples show:

Zechariah 1:14-15

Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, 15 and I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they went too far with the punishment.’

Zechariah 8:2-5

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.”

3 This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”

4 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”

Joel 2:18-19

Then the Lord was jealous for his land

and took pity on his people.

19 The Lord replied to them:

“I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil,

enough to satisfy you fully;

never again will I make you

an object of scorn to the nations.

Just as God is rightly jealous for the welfare of His people, Paul exhibited the same kind of Godly, protective jealousy for the church in Corinth:

2 Corinthians 11:1-2

1 I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! 2 I am jealous for you with a Godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.

Paul was protectively jealous for the church in Corinth, wanting to protect them from false teachers who might sway them away from Christ.

And so, we see that there are forms of jealousy that are not sinful, and that are even appropriate in some circumstances.

 

e. wrath and vengeance from jealousy

As we’ve seen, God’s jealousy is not sinful, but right. As such, when God’s jealousy is aroused, He is right in acting upon His jealousy.

Nahum 1:2-3

The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;

the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.

The Lord takes vengeance on his foes

and vents his wrath against his enemies.

3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;

the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.

His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,

and clouds are the dust of his feet.

Zephaniah 3:8

Therefore wait for me,”

declares the Lord,

“for the day I will stand up to testify.

I have decided to assemble the nations,

to gather the kingdoms

and to pour out my wrath on them—

all my fierce anger.

The whole world will be consumed

by the fire of my jealous anger.

Importantly, we must remember that unlike us, God is holy and just. While He is right in carrying out His wrath and vengeance from His jealousy, we are not!

Deuteronomy 32:35

It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.

romans 12:19-21

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Hebrews 10:30-31

For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

While some forms of jealousy are acceptable, and even appropriate, the Bible does not give us license to act out on that jealousy out of wrath, vengeance, or anger.

Clearly, God alone is right in acting out of wrath and vengeance, because only God is holy and right.

For our part, we are to overcome evil with good and let God judge and avenge as only He could see fit.

f. conclusion

God is a undoubtedly a jealous God. But God is not jealous in the envious “I wish I had what you have” sense. We have nothing that God didn’t give us, and He neither desires or needs anything we possess.

God isn’t jealous of us. He is jealous for us.

God simply wants us, and as our Creator, Provider and Savior, He is absolutely right to want our devotion and love. God’s jealousy is not sinful; it is further proof of His love for us. It is the kind of protective, loving jealousy that prompted Him to send His only Son to die for us so that we could be with Him.

Yes, God is a jealous God, and for that, we can be very thankful! To the praise of God's glory and grace.