God’s Rainbow of Promises: A 5-Day Plan for Kids With American Sign Languageਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 4: When You Feel Jealous, Give Thanks and Choose Love

The caring adults in your life may tell you junk food and too much screen time will hurt you, but did you know feelings of envy and jealousy can be bad for your spirit and your body, too? It may be surprising, but it’s true!

What does it mean to be jealous? We feel envious when we compare who we are, what we have, or what we do to someone else. When we are jealous, we focus on others instead of all the blessings we have received from God. That’s why the Bible encourages us to love and give thanks instead of being jealous. The Bible says that love is “not jealous, it does not boast, and it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NLT).

Did you know God is love? If you want to get rid of your jealousy, take God’s example by choosing to love. It's not always easy to make the right choice. Sometimes we want to eat cookies for dinner instead of our vegetables, and sometimes we feel jealous of others instead of being grateful for all that God has given and done for us. God gave us “His one and only son,” Jesus so that we can be saved (John 3:16, NIV).

The next time your friend has something you want, or perhaps you aren’t picked to stand in the spotlight, try giving thanks and acting in love instead of feeling envious!

Discuss:

How can you thank God and show love to others?

Watch and Sign:

Watch the video and practice the American Sign Language (ASL) signs for the word ‘jealous’ and the phrase ‘give thanks.’

“When you feel jealous, give thanks to God.”

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for helping me manage moments of jealousy. I give You thanks and praise for Your love and pray that I become more like You. Amen.