Conquering the Green Eyed Monster

Rev. Nigel Felder
Deal with the shortcomings of those around you as gently as you would your own. Lord, help me to treat others as I want to be treated. Amen.

PSALM 37:4-6
What starts as a minor comparison between our own life and someone else’s can escalate into an overwhelming mess. Jealousy is like a snowball that grows larger and larger. And its consequences are often devastating.

Confusion, anxiety, and bitterness can flood an envious heart and skew thoughts until it’s nearly impossible to keep God’s plan in view. Instead, the focus becomes what we don’t have, which takes us down the crippling path of resentment toward others who have the desired object or trait. Then, fear of not measuring up can dominate our thinking, leading to irrational behavior and broken relationships.

What’s more, envy dishonors the Lord. Though God has a beautiful plan for each of the creation, jealousy says, “I deserve more than You have provided, and therefore, I don’t trust that You truly give me Your best.”

If you find evidence of envy in your life, confess the comparison mindset. Recognize that you’re focusing on what God is doing in another person’s life rather than your own. Thank God for blessing the other person, and ask God to place a love in your heart for that individual. Then, refocus attention on the God’s work in your life. Finally, memorize and meditate on today’s verse.

If you are burdened with jealousy, you’re missing out on God’s best for your life. Don’t wait to deal with this sin, which will fester and grow if left unattended. The One who created you and designed a good plan for your life is able to conquer jealousy in your heart.

Rev. Nigel Felder

Louisville, Kentucky