Jealousy & Envy

One of Satan’s tricks to promote disunity is to provoke feelings of envy or jealousy either separately or at the same time.  His goal is to keep souls from heaven and you aren’t off the hook if you are already saved.  He will do his best to tear down your testimony and weaken you spiritually so you cannot reach others for Christ.  Envy and jealousy are two different things although both result in building resentment toward others leading to destruction and separation in all types of relationships.  Envy is a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another, either their possessions or qualities, resulting in spite and resentment at seeing the success of another which causes feelings of discontent.  Jealousy is an emotion typically referring to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something that the person values, particularly in reference to a human connection.  Jealousy often consists of a combination of presenting emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness and disgust.  Psychologists claim the jealous person "perceives that he or she possesses a valued relationship, but is in danger of losing it or at least of having it altered in an undesirable manner," whereas the envious person "does not possess a valued commodity, but wishes to possess it." 

The experience of jealousy for many people may involve:
·         Fear of loss
·         Suspicion of or anger about a perceived betrayal
·         Low self-esteem and sadness over perceived loss
·         Uncertainty and loneliness
·         Fear of losing an important person to another
·         Distrust

The experience of envy may involve:
·         Feelings of inferiority
·         Longing
·         Resentment of circumstances
·         Ill will towards envied person often accompanied by guilt about these feelings
·         Motivation to improve
·         Desire to possess the attractive rival's qualities
·         Disapproval of feelings

We have to combat these feelings by changing the way we think about things. “Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  We can’t accept every thought that may come along because our thoughts are often incorrect when our thought life is not in submission to God.  Feelings may be triggered from past experiences, our flesh gets in the way and we may be allowing the devil to whisper untruths into our ears.  “James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  Our peace will grow when we learn to be content with what we have and with the circumstances of our life.  “Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” The Apostle Paul could have given into envy or jealousy but instead he tells us, “Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”  We are taught to give and one of the benefits we have is receiving.“Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” We have to focus on ourselves and be happy with what we have and not judge the worthiness of another’s blessings or begrudge another of what they have received.  The other person may be giving in secret just as we give in secret and it’s not up to us to determine how they deserve to receive; we are to trust God’s judgment. “2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”  So the next time one of those feelings sneak up on us we need to stop, step back and determine if we are viewing it correctly.  Bring it to God in prayer and trust Him because His plan is far greater than we could ever imagine.  “Romans 8:27-28 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”