Sheila R. Vitale,  Pastor, Teacher & Founder
 LIVING EPISTLES MINISTRIES
PO Box 562, Pt Jeff Sta, NY 11776-0562, USA

OUR WEB PAGES - UPLOADED FOR YOU

Home: MAIN PAGE

Books: LIBRARY

Audio Tape Transcripts: BIBLE & SPIRITUAL STUDIES

Illustrations: DRAWINGS OF SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES

On-line Transcripts: CLASSROOM STUDIES

Questions, Answers, Dreams: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Order Page: ORDER BOOKS, TRANSCRIPTS & AUDIO TAPES

E-mail: TALK TO US

 

-----Original Message-----
From: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2004 5:41 AM
Subject: #153 Denial & Abuse-1st edit

Dear sister  Pastor Sheila, I know full well we are not supposed to tamper with the contents whilst editing. I just have a problem with the the reference to "jealousy" as a "godly quality". I understand what you mean, of course in the context of God, it is godly: it is "a zealous desire to preserve an existing situation or relationship", but in the context of man, can it be said to be a godly quality?

Webster's definition of jealousy; a state of fear, suspicion or envy caused by a real or imagined threat or challenge to one's possessive instincts. It may be provoked by rivalry, esp. in sexual love, by competition or by desires for the qualities or possessions of another // a zealous desire to preserve an existing situation or relationship

Message #153- denial and Abuse First paragraph says, "Envy is an anger against something good happening to somebody. It is one of the most hurtful spirits that is hurtful to another human being. Jealousy is in the Scripture, and it is a godly quality. He wants your worship only, in the Scripture that is jealously. Envy is ungodly. The scripture says it is as cruel as the grave, and we are finding out that the carnal mind is coming to puberty, and it is very destructive. It penetrates, it is a weapon, it is a spiritual weapon of the carnal mind, it penetrates and it wounds other people's souls. I will tell anyone that will listen, that is in Christ, if you discern envy in your heart resist it with everything that you have got. This is not only because you know that it is sin, but because it is a wasted effort. God the Father has enough for everybody. You do not have to be envious. Just tell Him you would like it too.

Love, XXXXXXXX

PASTOR SHEILA:  I do see your point, but the scriptural use of the word is "zeal," (and I do define it that way in the context of this message) which is a Godly trait. "He wants your worship only, in the Scripture that is jealously."

I am sorry that this statement has distressed you, and I pray that the Lord gives you a peace concerning it.

God bless you

Luv,  Pastor Sheila

 

----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: #153 Denial & Abuse-1st edit

 

Dear Pastor, thanks for your response. I receive what you say and understand that it is a godly quality as used in the scriptures, pertaining to God. But my question still is , "is it a godly quality when man exhibits it?" That's where I have the problem. I have always thought otherwise but from the passage in the message #153, I'm getting the impression that you are saying it is. It is like you are saying envy is sin but jealousy is not sin. And I'm okay with it, IF that is what you are saying, but I'm not sure that is what you are saying. Please clarify, thanks a lot. love, xxxxxx

 

PASTOR SHEILA:  No, I am not saying that the jealousy of mortal man is okay. Jealousy of mortal man is sin. The term “jealousy” as used in the Scripture when pertaining to God, is ok, because God’s jealousy results in mortal man, His bride, being snatched from the Serpent’s power and returned to their true husband. Mortal mankind is delivered from hell and death, and restored to immortality because of God’s jealousy.

So, once again, we see that “motive” is the controlling factor when judging righteous judgment. Wherefore, God can be jealous and righteous at the same time, because His motives are PERFECT and ALWAYS inure to the benefit of the object of His jealousy.

The motives of mortal man, on the other hand, are MOST IMPERFECT, wherefore, the jealousy of a mortal man would be destructive even if it were to save his wife from an unscrupulous lover. But, you ask, if the woman is saved from destruction, why is the husband’s jealousy sin? Because in the case of a mortal (fallen) man, no matter how much he truly desired to save his wife from destruction, pride, anger, rage, possession, rejection, etc, would, of necessity (because of his fallen mind), accompany the jealousy for his wife.

I hope I have answered your question. If I have not, please ask me again.

God bless you

Sincerely in Christ.
Pastor Sheila R. Vitale,
Pastor, Teacher & Founder
Living Epistles Ministries