Jealousy and envy

Pinkish Tubular Flower @ Kodaikanal Garden

5 March 2012

‘A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones’. Proverbs 14:30

In the modern era, enticed by the commercial world and hi-tech  materialism- we are over loaded with materialistic prosperity, seems to be the more common thread, which runs in our ‘nerves’ nurturing   jealousy (resentment).

Jealousy is the world's oldest emotions of mankind. If you are jealous, you feel like you have a competitor. You have a strong dislike for the person (or anything your eye sets on…) who has something (which you do not have ).

Biblically it is been found in the very beginning of time-Look at Cain and Abel- how this feeling gave way for murder.

• “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. Yet we are humans , inclined to all kind of temptations. James 3:16

•  “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4

Jealousy is a strong feeling which creeps (rather lives silently) inside us ,even in our childhood days. It can be conquered with self control, self discipline and with wisdom through the power of the word of God.

• “For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” 1 Corinthians 3:3

• “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

 Such a emotional feel can grow without your knowledge (dwell  within  you) then it forms as a sin. All subsequent activities that follows, will be a mar on your personality. 

This kind of jealousy is a sin and not an attribute of a Christian; rather, it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires.

• “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 1 Corinthians 3:3.

• “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other”. Galatians 5:26

• "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. James 3:14-15

 The feeling of jealous tendency may starts its roots from( rule the person)  from  anything such as - wealth, job, authority, power, leadership, recognition, talents, skills, achievements, success, intelligence, personality, youthful appearance, beauty, health, clothes, style, ......---- 

the list is never ending one……

they actually starts from nowhere and ends nowhere.

The evil power has let lose to devour the souls, Be alert, lest we may be trapped in any feelings that give way for jealousy.

The Bible enlightens us that we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us.

• “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  1 Corinthians 13:4-5.

 The more we are self-centered and self –seeking, we are liable to focus less on God.

 It hardens our heart to know the truth, we are simply blind-folded -we cannot turn to Jesus.

• “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes .Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. Matthew 13:15

•  Allow the God to take control of you. Remember god is in control. Surely God  will enable you  to  bring forth the fruit of our salvation- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control “Galatians 5:22-23

• “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

 Let  the peace of God over powers our heart and soul.

Let us be contented with  the blessings what we have.

Do not  focus your mind on others.

Try to be self controlled in all your dealings.

 Do not compare you with anyone.

God bless