Do you have jealousy ?

Monday July 26, 2021

Do you have jealousy ?

Searching the Scriptures

Since there is jealousy, strife and division among you, are you not ruled by your own nature and behaving in a very human way ? 1 Corinthians 3.3

While I was in a home group one day, I spoke to testify with emotion of the miracle that God had just performed in our family. Our son and daughter-in-law had aspired to become parents for years. The medical results regarding their fertility were in and the verdict was final : they would never be able to give birth naturally. What a blow to their heads !

However, 48 hours later, the young woman, noticing a delay in her period, decided to take a pregnancy test which turned out to be positive ! It was total euphoria ! I had carried this burden in prayer for so long... My heart was overflowing with gratitude. As I shared this good news, I expected all to be mightily encouraged.

But a person abruptly interrupted me to provide counter-testimony. In her case, she was never able to have a child despite prophecy, faith and fervent prayers. What a cold shower ! I, who hoped to enter a time of praise to celebrate the God of the impossible...

My purpose is not to judge this woman whose suffering was evident, but to reflect on jealousy. The Bible in Romans 12:15 invites us to rejoice with those who rejoice. Maybe right now your heart is heavy ; yet, if your neighbor is experiencing a special time of breakthrough, a touch of God, why not put your personal feelings aside and join in the celebrations, without ulterior motive ?

Jealousy is a source of bitterness, anger, criticism ; it destroys : jealousy caused the death of Cain, the sale as a slave of Joseph, the attempted murder of David... In the situation mentioned above, it quenched the Spirit and took away the glory that God was in the right to expect from his children. Jesus invites us not to envy the blessings of our neighbor : "Do you disagree that I am good ?" (Matthew 20.15)

Each (e) received from God a capital of his own and that he or she is called to make fruitful : Let us stop comparing ourselves to our neighbor, envying his call, his family, professional condition, his material goods, his artistic gifts... Let us not concern ourselves with the plan that God has for one or the other. Jesus tells us, "How does this concern you ? You, follow me." (John 21.22)

Listen to the voice of God

Let’s take the time to listen to what God means. Is there a particular topic in your life where you find it difficult to rejoice with others ?

Praying is easy. Talk to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, help me to rejoice with those who rejoice and to encourage them with all my heart, without ulterior motive."

Praise God

To praise God is to show him our gratitude. What are your subjects of recognition today ? Take a moment to thank the Lord.

Act today

Now dig deeper into what you have received. What can you do to apply what God has told you ? Write down the concrete actions you can take.

Honor the Lord

Our route for the day comes to an end. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Thank you Lord for this text which enlightens me on jealousy and its harmful consequences. Help me to keep my heart more than anything else because from it come the sources of life. Yours is the reign, the power and glory, amen !"

Catherine Gotte Avdjian

Source (The Thought of the Day)