CCES Devotionals: A Jealous Heart

Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 27:4
Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Did you notice that from God's point of view, jealousy is worse than anger? Jealousy and envy are dangerous, insidious attitudes that destroy our efforts to love and encourage others. Jealousy is rooted in a false view of God, of ourselves and of others. It says, "I want what God has chosen to give to others," or "I deserve better," or "God loves them better than me."

When I am jealous, I am complaining to God that I know what I need in my life better than He does. I'm saying, I don't believe Psalms 84:11, "no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 that jealousy is a sign of immaturity. Immaturity is childish, self-centered, impatient and unrealistic.

The first step to defeat jealousy begins by changing our thinking. We have to change our thoughts by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2), taking our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), and having the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:2-4). We have to have the faith to believe that God does love us, is sovereign, and is all-powerful. We have to choose to believe these truths because the opposite statements are lies from Satan.

Do you need to have God reshape your jealous heart? Be honest with yourself and God and ask Him to give you a heart of genuine love instead of a jealous heart.

Go to the Bible and read James 4:1-2; Ecclesiastes 4:4.

By Elaine Olson

Find out more about Christian counseling.

Related Articles and Devotionals:
How to Grow in Your Walk With Christ
Fear
Guilt
Depression

Also see Ralph Olson's article How Well Are You Managing Your Finances?