“Jealousy in romance is like salt in food. A little can enhance the savor, but too much can spoil the pleasure and, under certain circumstances, can be life-threatening.” ~ Maya Angelou
In the 15th chapter of Genesis, we see how ugly jealousy really is. Sarai despises Hagar for giving birth to Ishmael because she could not produce a child of her own. The irony of it all is that it was Sarai’s idea for her husband Abram to sleep with Hagar and produce a child in the first place.
Jealousy is a disease; get well soon. ~ Unknown
Jealousy is one of the deadliest emotions. There has been an unmeasurable amount of evil afflicted throughout history due to jealousy. You might have heard the phrase, “jealousy rears its ugly head, and oh, what an ugly head it is.” Jealousy stems from fear of not being enough; fear produces anger, and anger produces resentment. Resentment left untreated will, over time, lead to hate, and hate, if kept in the dark, can lead to tragedy.
Humans are extremely self-centered creatures by nature. We want what we want when we want it. When somebody else has what we want, twisted or real, is when we hold the door open for jealousy to enter the room. Reflect on your life, recall the countless times you were jealous of someone else’s looks, body, lover, livelihood, popularity, character, power, glory, and prestige. How many hours have been wasted coveting the lives of others, leaving you isolated and spiritually sick?
There is a way out, and that is by seeking the kingdom of God instead of the things of this world. Jesus makes it clear that nothing of value exists outside the kingdom of God. The most precious gifts of the kingdom come from self-sacrifice for others and not by becoming a hoarder of worldly stuff. It is time to become a kingdom seeker, praying only for the knowledge of God’s will in the kingdom and the power to carry it out for the rest of our natural-born lives.
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- What are you jealous of right this moment?
- What has jealousy cost you throughout your life?
- Are you aware that people may be jealous of you?
- Do you intentionally behave in a manner that arouses jealousy, bitterness, and hate?
- Who are the people that you have harmed out of jealousy?
- When are you going to reconcile with these people?
Prayer
My Creator, the deadly emotion of jealousy, has bitten me countless times. Lord, I pray that the propensity for fear that gives birth to jealousy will be removed from me. Please grant me the courage to reconcile with those who have been harmed in any way by my jealous actions. Take from me the desire to insight jealousy in others by remaining humble, grateful, and giving you all the glory for my life. By way of Your Spirit, and In Your Son’s name, I pray these things, Amen.
Leave a Reply