What is the definition of jealousy?
Webster says “To be jealous is to feel resentment, bitterness, or hostility toward someone because they have something that you don't.”
So in essence, jealousy is a form of anger. I think most people know that anger erodes us from the inside out. It’s so easy to be jealous - and angry.
King Solomon said “Peace of mind means a healthy body, but jealousy will rot your bones.” (Proverbs 14:30 NCV) Anger rots your bones - wow, what a statement!
Solomon also said “I realized the reason people work hard and try to succeed: They are jealous of each other. This, too, is useless, like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4 NCV)
Truth be known, we see the good life, the good looks, the nice stuff and we want it. When we see it in others, it causes a hunger inside of us - but is it the right kind of hunger?
It’s interesting how hard we work to impress others. And impress them for what reason? Many times, it’s to show we have succeeded and are happy.
Many desire these things because others have it and we want it too. The issue is that this type of hunger and desire may not be the right kind of hunger.
Jesus himself said “So I tell you, don’t worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.” (Matthew 6:25-26 NCV)
The Apostle James said “Where jealousy and selfishness are, there will be confusion and every kind of evil.” (James 3:16 NCV) Psycologist say that jealousy is actually insecurity in camouflage.
A great truth is that God is a jealous God. However, He’s not jealous “of” you, He’s jealous “for” you.
God desires a “relationship” with us. He’s not interested in religion, He wants a relationship. All starting with the belief, the trust and the following of his Son, Christ.
The more we follow God, Christ and The Holy Spirit, the more secure we become. And the less jealous we feel and the stronger our relationship is with God - and other people.
That’s the truth about jealousy.
Why do you push yourself so hard? What’s your motive? Is it to please God and serve others? Or is it jealousy and the desire to impress others?
There’s nothing like being free from jealousy. It’s a beautiful way to live.
LORD, help us love you with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and love others as ourself and then - jealousy will never take root in our life. Help us please. IJNIP amen ♥️
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