December 26

Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? — Jas 4:5 BSB

A beautiful passage has been sadly mistranslated in the Revised Version: “The Spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy.” It should be translated, “The Spirit that dwells in us loves us to jealousy.” It describes a love so intense that it feels pain when its beloved strays.

The Holy Spirit desires to accomplish in us and for us the highest will of God. He longs for our deepest love for Christ, our Divine Husband, and becomes jealous when we divide our love with worldly things or disappoint Him in our devotion.

This is why the previous passage says, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?”

How could we grieve such a kind Friend? How could we disappoint such a loving Husband? Let us not refuse the love the Holy Spirit offers, but respond with undivided and boundless affection.

Was there ever a Bridegroom so loving, seeking our hearts with such tenderness?