This famous verse is talking about the Love that comes from God. As we all have heard, God is Love. But some may call ‘foul’ on this statement, because of a supposed contradiction – let me explain. If God is Love, then can we not replace the word ‘Love’ with ‘God’?
God is patient and kind – yes, that works.
God is not jealous – wait a minute… I thought we served a jealous God? Is this a contradiction? In Deuteronomy we clearly read:
The Lord your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24)
As Cool Hand Luke might say, "What we've got here is failure to communicate." The issue with this so-called ‘contradiction’ (and most others) is based on our English translations, and the context of what is being said.
Don't misunderstand, our translations are very good, but we don't always have the exact word to convey the precise meaning that was intended in the original language. For example, there are multiple words used for what we call 'Love'. The word 'jealous' also has more than one meaning.
In Corinthians, Paul is stating that Love is not jealous. And in the correct language and context, God also is not jealous. 'Jealous' here is being used more like envy – perfect love envies nothing; nor does God envy. He created and owns everything, and He is not envious of anything or anyone!
In Deuteronomy, 'jealous' is used more like a parent being jealous with their child. It’s protective, not envious. I’m jealous in that sense with my children, as well. If my child didn’t want to spend time with me, or treated some other person as they should treat me as their father, I would be jealous.
In other words - God is protective (jealous) of what He calls His own! This is the sense of the phrase in Deuteronomy. He wants us – wants to spend time with us – wants us to enjoy being with Him. Just as a loving father, because… yeah, He is the Loving Father!
So there is no contradiction here – God is not jealous (envious), but God is jealous (protective)!
#LoveMatters