Do you host jealousy in your heart? Are you an envious person? Does another's good bother you? Please stop doing that to yourself.

Jealousy is a result of comparing our lives with others. I used to have a neighbour (A) who wanted everything another neighbour (B) had in their house. B was filthy rich even though they lived in a middle class apartment. A’s husband got miserable buying a new Fridge, TV, AC, etc. Today, A has more than she could imagine because her daughters fell in love with rich, nice boys. Sadly, A is far away from God. Bitter at heart, and lives a life pleasing people.

Jealousy decays spiritual understanding

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” (Proverbs‬ ‭14:30‬)

Envy rots the spiritual bones (doctrines). Whatever you would have gained by going to church is lost because of bad natures. Jealousy rots in us the more we run for material things. It makes us oblivious of God’s desire for our lives.

Envy triggers murder

The Jews were so envious of Jesus that they were willing to let Barabbas the murderer go free. They were later envious of Paul the apostle too. They were so envious of Jesus that they chose to get Him killed.

“Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.” (Matthew‬ ‭27:17-18‬)

Sinful man is naturally envious

The spirit of sinful man enjoys carnal natures, envy being one of them. Sinful man is naturally envious, of others and their work too (Ecclesiastes 4:4).

“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” (James‬ ‭4:5‬)

King Solomon clearly experienced envy from his neighbours.

“Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:4‬)

We live in a world where comparisons are being drawn like never before across all ages because of social media. Even Christian leaders are secretly competing to increase their ministry count. As long as we are in the flesh we will need to learn to overcome this nature.

May God help us overcome this evil nature of envy everyday for His glory. Maranatha, Praise God and amen.