“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

— 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

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“This Jealous Love”

By Jennifer Kane

God isn’t jealous of me—

He’s jealous for me,

with a holy, righteous zeal,

a fierce love that guards, protects,

and seeks me out with steadfast arms.

He desires my heart, unswayed, unspoiled,

not by the hollow promises

the world would call my own.

All He asks is that I live in the simplicity of Christ—

not tangled in the twisted snares of clever lies,

not distracted by a love diluted.

I must be vigilant,

Guard my heart, shield my soul,

for even the craftiest serpent can wear the face of light.

A Christ without meekness, without humility,

is a shadow, a counterfeit; it is not the real Christ.

I long to be His, worthy, faithful, true,

a bride devoted, steadfast, holding fast

to the promise that binds us together.

Not like Lot’s wife, her gaze backward and lost,

yearning for a world that only dust could claim.

But forward-facing, heart bound to His—

Today and onward, faithful in this betrothal,

leaning into His jealous love, guarding my own.

So, Lord, keep being jealous for me;

help me do the same,

that I may live as Yours, devoted, true,

forever claimed by the fire of Your love.

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Paul’s words to the Corinthians reveal his deep, godly jealousy, a fierce desire to protect them from deception and keep their faith undivided and pure. Godly jealousy is not the kind of jealousy we might see in the world, born from selfishness or possessiveness. Instead, it’s a passion for the holiness and purity of God’s people. Just as a loving parent warns a child against harm, Paul longs to keep the Corinthians from influences that would lead them away from the simplicity and truth of the gospel.

When Paul says, “I have betrothed you to one husband,” he emphasizes the relationship we have with Christ. In a betrothal, both parties commit to faithfulness before the wedding, symbolizing our dedication to Christ until He returns. God desires our exclusive devotion, not to limit us, but to free us for a life rooted in His truth and love. Just as Paul warns the Corinthians, we too must be vigilant about influences that could lead us away from the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today, many voices preach a “different Jesus,” a version that suits the world’s desires rather than God’s will. This can be enticing because it often blends partial truths with comforting lies, much like Satan’s deception of Eve. These “half-truths” are harder to detect and resist, often wrapped in the appealing idea of a triumphant, easy life without sacrifice or humility. Yet, the true gospel calls us to remember Jesus’s own life, marked by humility, suffering, and obedience.

Reflect on areas where your faith may be complicated by outside influences. Ask God to help you focus on the true gospel, free from distractions or distortions.

Examine if you have allowed any false teachings or worldly ideas to take root in your beliefs. Pray for discernment to recognize any “other gospel” that doesn’t align with the teachings of Jesus.

Our relationship with Christ is like a betrothal period—our hearts belong to Him alone. Consider ways to deepen your commitment to Him, setting aside anything that would compete for your love and loyalty.

In our walk with Christ, may we be ever mindful of the purity of our devotion, guarding our hearts with the same godly jealousy that Paul showed for the Corinthians. Let us not “put up with” false teachings but cling to the One who loves us deeply and purely.

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Lord, thank You for Your godly jealousy for us, a love that longs for our hearts to be fully Yours. Protect us from the subtle lies and half-truths that would pull us away from the simplicity of Your gospel. Help us to be faithful in our devotion to You, not swayed by the world’s message but anchored in Your truth. May our hearts remain pure and ready, waiting for the day we stand before You as Your beloved bride. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

October 30  2024