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What does the Bible say about love and jealousy?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that true love is patient, self-giving, and free from sinful jealousy, while jealousy rooted in envy, lust, or rivalry belongs to the fallen desires from which Christ calls us to turn. First Corinthians 13:4-5 says love does not envy or insist on its own way, and 1 John 4:18 shows that God’s perfect love drives out fearful possessiveness. James 3:14-16 and Galatians 5:19-21 warn that bitter jealousy produces disorder and is a work of the flesh. Exodus 20:17 forbids coveting, while Romans 12:2 and 2 Timothy 2:22 call believers to renewed minds and holy desires. By grace, Christians pursue love that rejoices in another’s good and rests securely in God’s care.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 9 votes

    Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil;

  • 1 John 4:18 9 votes

    There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.

  • Galatians 5:19-21 6 votes

    Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

  • Matthew 5:28 4 votes

    but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  • Romans 12:2 3 votes

    Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • 2 Timothy 2:22 3 votes

    Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

  • Exodus 20:17 3 votes

    “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

  • 1 John 3:6 2 votes

    Whoever remains in him doesn’t sin. Whoever sins hasn’t seen him and doesn’t know him.

  • James 3:14-16 2 votes

    But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.

  • Proverbs 27:4 2 votes

    Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?

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