Seven Sins That Will Destroy Your LifeSample

Jealousy and envy (1)

What God is saying about jealousy and envy:

You want things but don't get them and then want to commit murder; You're jealous of another man's stuff and can't get your hands on it, and then you quarrel and fight (James 4:2).

Against jealousy, no one is up to (Proverbs 27:4).

I saw that all painful effort in labour and all skill in work comes from man's rivalry with his neighbour (Ecclesiastes 4:4).

Jealousy and envy are realities that affect the lives of all of us. No one is free from jealousy and envy. Nobody.

There is a difference between envy and jealousy. Jealousy believes you don't get the recognition you deserve, and there is a definite focus on God: God wronged you by not giving you what you deserve but has given it to others who don't deserve it. Envy is a desire to have more than you have now, significantly more than anyone else. In jealousy and envy, there is deep displeasure, discontent, pride, greed, and often anger.

Jealousy is looking in the wrong direction. Jealous people seek the acceptance, admiration, and recognition of people. The main problem, however, is that such people do not understand God’s unconditional love for them. This breaks the grip of jealousy. Ultimately, God must help you through the work of the Holy Spirit to understand that you will not do better if you have "more." Having more is never sufficient because jealousy and envy are insatiable.