Jealousy has been in the hearts of mankind over centuries. Every story in the Bible within a few number of characters has encountered this strong emotional sin whether written or not written. Jesus actually never teaches explicitly about the sins of jealousy but there have been scriptures declared before his birth and after his death and resurrection about the effects of jealousy and why as Christian’s, we shouldn’t be jealous. I want to discuss this topic because it is a deep secretive sin that kills god honoring relationships, godly friendships, and disrupts your walk with God. If you continue not to confront this sin and confess it, then death is around the corner. Here are some practicals to hold close to heart while battling the sin of jealousy.
Trust in Gods plan, Do not assume, and Pray when tempted
“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.” Genesis 16:1-5 NIV
There are three things to point out. Firstly, Sarai did not trust in Gods timing for a child. There are plenty of reasons why Sarai was not able to conceive but instead of being patient and relying on God’s character she decides to take matters into her own hand.
Secondly, she assumes. This is where the jealousy starts to conceive into sin. Sarai says “ I put my slave in your arms, and now that she is pregnant, she despises me.” We don’t know how Hagar is feeling but we do now that Sarai despises Hagar. If Sarai would’ve taken the time to talk to Hagar and attempt to settle their differences without grumbling there would be no space to consume. There are reasons why God says watch out for our hearts ( Jeremiah 17:9) and to not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) by modeling what Jesus taught in Matthew 18:15-17: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17 NIV this suffices since despising someone is equating to hate which has the same threshold as murder.
Lastly, pray when you’re tempted. This is if you found no true fault between you and the person. Let’s face it, Sarai had no true fault against Abraham nor Hagar because it was her plan. Instead of harassing both Hagar and Abram, she should have prayed and given it to God so she can find the strength and move forward with her new family. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NIV Going to God is the remedy for any heartbreak and tragedy. We need to give God the time to honor and praise him and time to request and seek out wisdom and discernment so change can happen within our lives.
Well there it is ladies, ask yourself these questions:
Who am I jealous of?
Why do I feel jealous towards them?
Am I being patient?
Love you all and God bless!