JOYCE MEYER DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR FEBRUARY 3, 2023 (JEALOUSY AND ENVY)
TOPIC : JEALOUSY AND ENVY
SCRIPTURE: — Proverbs 27:4 (NIV)
Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
MESSAGE
Jealousy is often referred to as the “green-eyed monster.” It is a monster because it devours the life of those who permit it in their hearts. God has a special, individualized plan for each of us. Being jealous of another person is pointless because no matter how much we wish it, we cannot ever have anyone else’s life. Neither can we have the specific aspect of their life that makes us jealous of them.
A jealous and envious person is never content, and God wants us to be content always, trusting that He is doing—and will continue to do—great things in our lives. Being jealous of what others have or can do prevents us from seeing the blessings in our own lives.
Jealousy is not new; it has been around since people began to inhabit the earth. Early in the story of Genesis, Cain was jealous of Abel, and he murdered him because of it. In 1 Samuel, King Saul was so jealous of David that he continually tried to kill him, and at times the jealousy drove him mad. In addition, some of Jesus’ 12 disciples were jealous of one another, asking Him which of them was the greatest.
The Bible tells us that jealousy can even make us sick: A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30 NIV). Being jealous or envious is foolish and a total waste of time. Wisdom recommends that we live at peace, be content with what we have, and be thankful in all things.
Father, I’m sorry for being jealous and envious of other people. You have blessed me, and I want to be very thankful for what You have done and are doing in my life. Help me in the future to resist jealousy in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
