Never be jealous

“Jealousy is like cancer in the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 NLT

Is it hard for you to compliment others on their achievements? When someone’s name comes up in conversation, do you feel good because something bad has happened to them? When you hear something complimentary about another person, do you feel the need to say, “Yes, but…” and proceed to point out their negative traits or failures? Do you keep comparing yourself to other people? Are you preoccupied with what they’re doing, buying, wearing, and who they mix and mingle with? Do you trust the people you love, or are you always checking up on them? The Bible says, “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones” (v. 30 NLT). Note the word healthy. If you want to be mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically healthy, don’t give place to jealousy or it will consume you. The most miserable people in life are filled with jealousy. It eats away at them and steals their joy. They think of little else but the things somebody else has that they want, which in turn leads to resentment and strife. How do you conquer jealousy? (1) Acknowledge you have a problem. (2) Repent and ask for God’s help. (3) Pray for the person who is the target of your jealousy. At first it will feel awkward, but as you keep doing it, God will change your heart and replace jealousy with love. Start celebrating other people’s successes with them and make a point of complimenting them. Remember, nobody else is as good at being you as you. So, you have no competition. When you’re secure in who you are before God, you don’t have to be jealous of anybody.

Bible in a year: Exodus 14-15 and Matthew 17