Quote about Jealousy:
“The cure for the sin of envy and jealousy is to find our contentment in God.”
– Jerry Bridges
Bible Text: Proverbs 27:4; “Anger is cruel and destructive, but it is nothing compared to jealousy.” GNT
The bible teaches us that anger is destructive, but compared to jealousy, it is nothing. Highlighting the powerful negative force and effect that jealousy possesses
What is Jealousy?
- Feeling of Resentment or Bitterness
- Desiring What Others Have
Jealousy opens the door for other forms of Evil
- James 3:16; “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.” AMP
- Jealousy as stated in James 3:16; opens the door to sin, evil and other kinds of morally degrading behaviours and practices
Jealousy as Sin:
- Galatians 5:19-21; “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Jealousy is listed among the works of the flesh, indicating it is a sinful attitude that can keep people from inheriting the kingdom of God.
Jealousy as Corrosive:
- Proverbs 14:30; “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.”
- Jealousy (or envy) is described as destructive, harming the individual who harbours it. Jealousy can harm you spiritually and mentally. EASY translation would say that “jealousy will eat away your body”; meaning that Jealousy can open the door for physical sickness into the person’s life
Sinful jealousy is an indicator of a carnal believer.
- 1 Corinthians 3:3; “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” NKJV
- These are believers though saved, but they are ruled by their sinful nature. If jealousy is still ruling your life, it’s a sign that you are still carnal even though you manifest the gifts of the Spirit.
Some effects of Jealousy
- Erosion of Trust and Harmony in a Relationship: Genesis 4:3-8; Cain’s jealousy of Abel led to the first murder
- Family Discord and Strife: Joseph and His Brothers. Genesis 37:4, 11;
- Conflict and Division within the Church: The Corinthian Church.1 Corinthians 3:3: Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their jealousy which led to divisions in the church.
- Living a life of Jealousy or envy will make one miss heaven: Galatians 5:19-21. It was one of the activities of the sinful nature that can cause a man not to inherit the kingdom of God
How to Overcome Jealousy from a Practical and Biblical Perspective
- Cultivate Contentment:
- Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV): “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Contentment is a key antidote to jealousy. By trusting in God’s provision and finding satisfaction in what we have, we can resist the urge to compare ourselves to others.
- Practice Love and Humility:
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV): “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.”
Cultivating Agape-love (God’s love) for others helps diminish envy. When we truly love others, we can rejoice in their successes and blessings without feeling threatened.
- Rejoice with Others:
- Romans 12:15 (NKJV): “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
Actively celebrating the successes and blessings of others helps you shift focus away from yourself; and this fosters a sense of community and mutual support.
- Transform Your Mind:
- Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Renewing our minds through Scripture study and meditation; and prayer helps align our thoughts with God’s will, reducing the impact of jealousy and other sinful attitudes.
- Seek God’s Help in Prayer when you notice you are easily given to jealousy:
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV): “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Bringing our struggles with jealousy to God in prayer invites His peace into our hearts, helping us overcome these feelings.
- Focus on Your Own Journey:
- Galatians 6:4-5 (NKJV): “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.”
Concentrate on your own growth and progress rather than comparing yourself to others. This focus helps mitigate jealousy by highlighting personal achievements and goals.
Remember; Jealousy is a destructive emotion that the Bible warns against. It stems from covetousness, insecurity, and comparison, but it can be overcome through practical steps rooted in biblical principles. By cultivating contentment, practicing love and humility, rejoicing with others, transforming our minds, seeking God’s help in prayer, and focusing on our own journeys, we can effectively combat jealousy and live in harmony with God’s will for our lives.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer:
- Activities of the flesh like jealousy, pride, uncontrolled-anger (name the ones relevant to you) that will cause me to come under divine judgement and miss eternity with God, be removed from my life today by the fire of the Holy-Ghost, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
