By Chuck Bentley

Jealousy is a terrible thing. In fact, it reaps devastation on others and ourselves. I recently returned from Africa where jealousy is a major problem. If someone seems to have more than someone else, the response can range from rejection to vicious attacks and demonic curses. This attitude does not allow anyone to make upward progress, including the people who are jealous. Often we don’t even realize that we are jealous of someone’s new car, their clothes, the house they live in, or the promotion they received. We not only are unable to rejoice with them, we are angry inside and miserable with what we have.

The Bible talks openly and plainly about dealing with our own jealousies of others. In James 3 it says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”(Catch that? Jealousy is actually demonic. I have seen this first hand on my recent trip to Zimbabwe.)

Let me continue with James 3—“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Want to overcome your jealousy? Ask God to give you the wisdom from above with a pure heart. Be gentle, open to reason and impartial. Sincerely be grateful for what God has provided you and others. Sow peace, not jealousy and discord. You will be amazed at the harvest of righteousness you will experience.

Originally posted 3/24/2015.