What do I do when I struggle with jealousy? Jealousy is a feeling of unhappiness and anger because someone has something or something you want. [1] In our story, Joseph’s older brothers are jealous because he is loved more by his father, Jacob. Also, Joseph received two dreams from the Lord that put him in a leadership position over them. As a result, Joseph’s brothers couldn’t say a kind word to him and hated him. Genesis 37:5 One night, Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. [2]
When I am jealous, I overlook the blessings in my life and focus on the wrong thing. Joseph’s brothers had many benefits but couldn’t get beyond their father’s relationship with their younger brother. I can be like Joseph’s brothers in many ways, but I don’t have to stay that way.
Choose to Take Off the Coat of Jealousy
Scripture gives us insight into how to move away from jealousy. 1 Peter 2:1So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.[3] To get rid of these sins is to remove them, as Paul writes. Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.[4]
Like choosing to put on or take off a coat, Paul tells us to take off jealousy. We may not have the strength to take off the coat of jealousy, but the Lord will help us. Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. [5] If you struggle to take off the sinful coat of jealousy, call on the Lord to help you! By the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we can choose to move away from sinful behavior.
Desire to be Grateful
When we open our eyes to all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us, jealousy begins to fade over time. Gratitude and jealousy can’t exist together. Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.[6] When you get up in the morning, think about three things you are thankful for, and you will begin to see a change in your life as you do this day after day.
What do I do when I struggle with jealousy? Listen here to find out more:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/refining-josephs-dreams
[1] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/jealousy
[2-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.