Dealing with Difficulties – Jealousy
To be jealous is to feel resentment, bitterness, or hostility toward someone because they have
something that you don't; commonly defined as a feeling of envy or suspicion towards relationships
or possessions. Jealousy can often be aroused through comparing ourselves to someone else.
Maybe we perceive that they are more popular, have better looks or gifts than we do.
One of my daily readings this week was from 1 Samuel, speaking about the relationship between
King Saul and David. We see throughout this story, that King Saul was insecure in his identity, which
caused him to compare himself to David and aroused jealousy in his heart, so much so that Saul
sought to kill David.
What does the Bible say about jealousy? 'But jealousy and envy are soul-enemies, and Scripture
warns us against them over and over. We're told that jealousy is a fruit of the flesh (Galatians 5:21),
an antonym of love (1 Corinthians 13:4), a symptom of pride (1 Timothy 6:4), a catalyst for conflict
(James 3:16), and a mark of unbelievers (Romans 1:29), Proverbs 14:30 "a heart at peace gives life to
the body, but envy rots the bones".'
I believe that's one of the reasons that we are exhorted to "guard your heart with all diligence for
from it flow the issues of life". Proverbs 4:23. We are told to guard our hearts. How then can we
guard against jealousy? By keeping ourselves in the love of God, knowing we are His beloved sons
and daughters and that He fashions our hearts individually, and our Lord and Friend has a purpose
for each one of us that is good, acceptable, and perfect. We need to keep our minds fixed on things
that are good and pure and lovely.
Also, James 5:16 tells us to "confess our trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that
you may be healed." If you find yourself struggling with jealousy and envy, go to a trusted friend or
leader and tell them; get them to pray with you.
The path may be difficult but remember our Lord and Friend has already won the victory and our life
is hidden in Him. Holy Spirit is with us as our Helper and Teacher, and He will strengthen and give us
wisdom along the way so we will be over-comers and more than conquerors through Christ Who
loves us!
God's Abundant blessings.
Kath
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