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What does the Bible say about love and jealousy?

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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

    [4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil;

  • 1 John 4:18

    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

    [19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, 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 the Kingdom of God.

  • Matthew 5:28

    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

    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

    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

    "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

  • 1 John 3:6

    Whoever remains in him doesn't sin. Whoever sins hasn't seen him, neither knows him.

  • James 3:14-16

    [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.

  • Proverbs 27:4

    Wrath is cruel, And anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?

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