Anger
is cruel and fury overwhelming,
but
who can stand before jealousy?
Proverbs
27:4
Thoughts~
When I was in my twenties, I had a young woman snub me
over and over while at a week long training seminar before we went out in the
field to serve the Lord with Athletes in Action. I wasn’t bold enough to ask
why she was this way, but, God took a hold of her heart and she came to me on the
final day, asking me to forgive her.
She told me, with tears running down her cheeks, that
she was jealous of my outgoing personality. I was completely shocked. She was an
incredibly beautiful blond woman, and while reserved, she had a beautiful voice
when she spoke and sang. We spent an hour talking and understood that our week
could have been so much better had jealousy not reared its ugly head. We both learned a valuable lesson.
*Jealousy isn’t
mentioned much in sermons, at least none that I have heard. And yet, it is such
a horrific emotion, it will rot your heart. It comes from being selfish and
self centered, wanting what you do not have.
*Jealousy ruins relationships and
keeps you from having a close, loving relationship with the Lord. It creeps
into your mind like a tapeworm, eating away at all things good. I’ve watched
jealousy consume someone I care about and destroy friendships along the
way.
*Jealousy is
mentioned in Galatians 5:20 along with idolatry, witchcraft, hatred and several
other traits we do not want to have. The enemy of God loves to push jealousy at
us. Beware of this horrid reaction to others possessions, gifts and lives.
*Jealousy has absolutely no place
in the life of a believer: it must be spotlighted and then destroyed in order
for us to walk peacefully with Jesus and serve Him with a clean heart
Action~
How can we refrain from jealousy? Only through the
power of the Holy Spirit. Read Galatians 5:13-26. Especially note verse 20.
Who
are you jealous of? Remember, when we are jealous, we are being self
centered.
Using
a “love in action” plan, call the person, send them an email, text or note on Facebook,
encouraging them in the area you wish you had. Open the door for a closer relationship.
Get rid of jealousy and you get rid of that tapeworm!
Pray~
Lord, may jealousy never find its way into my heart
again. Remind me that I am right where I am supposed to be, living my life and
not someone else’s. I trust in You, Lord.
Trusting in Him,
Becky
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