"For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind." (James 3:16)

Jealousy ruins the joy in relationships.

When I was 10 I had a friend named Greg. Greg was already friends with Kyle by the time I moved on the block. Greg and I became buddies and enjoyed spending time together. However, Kyle was the "cool" kid on the block and Greg often ditched me to be seen with Kyle. Despite my natural patience and mercy it didn't take long before my jealousy of Kyle grew into bitterness. I hated Kyle for stealing my friend Greg. I wished he would turn into a toad and just leave us alone!

Jealous thoughts soon turn into a bitter heart.

It wasn't long before Kyle and I had a confrontation. My overall frustration and anger towards Kyle spilled into a fist fight. I had a chance to be patient and loving with Kyle. I could have made a real effort to be his friend and to be kind to him. Instead my jealous caused such a distance between us that we parted ways without ever reconciling.

Where has jealousy turned things sour in your life? Where have you allowed bitterness towards someone to take a silent hold on your heart?

Jealousy is like a poison to your heart. It works it's way to where your joy is and chokes it out. Soon you find yourself wishing bad things on someone, gossiping about them, or refusing to be around them.

Love is not jealous. Love seeks joy not jealousy. Love rejoices for others. It chooses to act in faith and contentment. It is crucial that we have faith that God is in control and that nothing happens without his goodness and justice. Everything about someone that you are jealous of was allowed by God. He is in control of every thing you don't have or envy about someone else. We must have faith in the goodness of God.

Ask God to reveal the poisonous jealousies of your heart and repent. Then choose to love in faith, believing that God is in control and that He is good. Finally, cheer on others, rejoice in their blessings, pray good things for them, and forgive. When you find yourself honestly seeking and praying blessing for those you are jealous of you know that God has begun to transform your heart with authentic love.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice" (Phil. 4:4)

-Josh