Overcome jealousy with thanks. You may not have thought of this strategy, yet it is effective. There is a remedy to jealousy. Leah and Rachael had married the same man, and Rachel was jealous because Leah had children and she did not.
Genesis 31:1When Rachel saw that she wasn’t having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. She pleaded with Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!” 2 Then Jacob became furious with Rachel. “Am I God?” he asked. “He’s the one who has kept you from having children!” [1] The two sisters turned childbearing into a competition that was not helpful. In retrospect, what could the sisters have done differently?
Being Thankful
When I struggle to overcome an issue in my life, like jealousy, there is nothing wrong with going to the Lord with my struggle. I can pray that He would help me be an overcomer. The first step to moving away from sinful habits is to confess our wrongs to the Lord.
Philippians 4:13For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. [2] God, in His mercy, is always there to help us when we struggle with issues in life. Think of your relationships. How could you be thankful instead of jealous?
Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! [3] What if Rachael had focused on being thankful for Leah instead of jealous? What if you got up each morning and were grateful for three things? How would that change your attitude?
Appreciate Others
How can you show appreciation to another person? When someone is kind, we have an opportunity to thank them. As we offer our gratitude to others, the Lord is helping us fulfill the commandment of loving one another.
According to Gary Chapman, author of “The 5 Languages of Appreciation,” there are five main ways to show appreciation in public or at work: 1) appreciating through words, 2) giving tangible gifts, 3) spending quality time, 4) doing acts of service, and 5) appropriate physical touch.[4]
How would following these basic principles help you be thankful instead of jealous? As children of faith, we should be forever grateful for Jesus, who died for our sins on the cross. 1 Thess. 1:16Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [5]
To hear how to overcome jealousy with thanks, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-uses-the-dysfunctional
[1-3,5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.