Having struggled in the past with jealousy myself, I
know the pain that being green with envy can cause. After
spending much time in
contemplation and prayer about jealousy, I came to the conclusion that it
occurs when we are constantly comparing, coveting, and allowing our
self-centered ego to run our lives. Luckily, there are a few simple steps we
can take to overcoming this negative ego trait of jealousy.
When it comes to overcoming jealousy, we
must first recognize where it comes from:
Where does jealousy come from?
- Comparing yourself to others (which can lead to feelings of inadequacy). "Comparison is a thief of joy."
- Coveting- the sin of constantly wanting what others have
- Your ego (which can be prideful and constantly want you to “keep up with the Jones’)
How do you get rid of it?
- Do not compare yourself to others
- Learn to be content with what you have
- Live in the Spirit of Love, rather than the carnal, self-centered, egotistical flesh
What action steps do I need to take to overcome it?
- Cut off, or spend less time wasted on external influences that may be impacting you negatively (i.e. Social media, magazines, the internet, etc), and instead spend more time in nature, appreciating simple beauty in life, with family, friends, and loved ones, and with God.
- Count your blessings. Every morning make a list of 3 new things you are grateful for. Praise God for all that you have instead of constantly complaining, comparing, or wishing you had more. The Bible says to “give thanks always,” and “in everything, give thanks” (Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Psalm 92:2-4 says, “Every morning tell him, “Thank you for your kindness,” and every evening rejoice in all his faithfulness.” God makes it clear throughout His word that gratitude is something we need to implement daily in our lives.
- Walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 says: “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh… The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like…But the fruit [product] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
We are told that some of the products of
living in the fleshly carnal nature are jealousy, envy, and hatred, while
living in the Holy Spirit leads to love,
peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness, and self-control—exactly the opposite of
our carnal nature. The good news is that if we feel we are lacking God’s Holy
Spirit at work in our lives, the Bible says we can ask for more, and God will
give it to us! (See Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:13).
When you invite God into your
life and ask Him to fill you up with His Spirit, He gives you the supernatural
ability to overcome temptations and live and walk in the Holy Spirit of God. He
will help you overcome jealousy, envy, or any other issue of the heart you may
be dealing with. He has said: “I will give you a new heart, and I will put
a new spirit in you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
So ask God for His help in overcoming
jealousy, ask Him to fill you up with His Holy Spirit, and count your
blessings, live in gratitude, change your focus, and you will surely your outlook will be altered and you will be jealous no more!
I hope this post was of some encouragement to you, and I wish you a wonderful week!
Much Love,
-Brigitte
xo
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