THE ANTIDOTE TO JEALOUSY

Galatians 5:19-2619 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred,discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions,factions, 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warnyou, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those whobelong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with itspassions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep instep with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking andenvying each other.

Jealousy is an interesting creature. Unlike other pests, it iseasily caught but difficult to lose. Often found in the company ofother undesirables like dissension, envy, anger, andhatred--jealousy is a relational impediment. If we don't quicklyusher him out the door he'll soon spoil the party.

Felt jealous lately? It's a common emotion. We can feel jealous overrelationships (the other guy getting the girl), envy over things (afriend's car or CD collection), recognition (awards or promotions wemissed out on), and experiences. (I can get quite jealous over thoseTV guys who check out the best vacation spots. And they get paid fordoing that?)

We can also get jealous over spiritual matters. Like when God givessomeone a spiritual experience that He hasn't given us. Some of mymost jealous moments have been of this nature--when God blessedsomeone else's efforts more than mine and gave them additionalresponsibility instead of to me.

I've often wondered if the twelve disciples ever felt jealous ofeach other. Read the Gospels carefully and you'll see that Jesusintentionally singled out Peter, James, and John from the group.Only these privileged three were allowed into the room of Jairus'sick daughter to see her miraculous healing (Mark 5:37). Only theireyes saw Jesus transfigured into dazzling light (Mark 9:2). Onlythis inner circle knelt closest to Jesus as He prayed in Gethsemane(Mark 14:33). I wonder how Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James,and Judas Iscariot felt after these events.

Jesus sent the Spirit to give them--and us--an antidote to jealousy.By being filled with Him, we can overcome its power in our life(Galatians 5:25).

Jealousy melts away when we are in step with the Spirit of love. Hefills all the empty gaps of need, and He levels the ground betweenus and those we are jealous of. --Sheridan Voysey

DESTINATION POINTS

* What one thing am I most prone to become jealous about?
* Whatstrategy can I put in place to combat jealousy the next time itvisits?

LINKS:
My spouse is sometimes threatened by my career. How should Irespond?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/questions/threatenedcareer.html

bottom line: Jealousy flees when we're filled with the Spirit.

soul journey