How Can you Use Jealousy for your Good?
The Bible explores jealousy in several ways, including as a human sin, a form of idolatry, and a way to understand God's nature.
As a human sin that can stem from a lack of thankfulness or an inability to recognize what God has provided. The Bible describes jealousy as the root of strife between Rachel and Leah in Genesis 30, and as the reason their children sold their brother Joseph into slavery in Genesis 37. Mark 15:10 also says that jealousy led the chief priests to hand Jesus over for crucifixion.
Jealousy can also be a form of idolatry, and as such, it requires repentance. Its when we put something above God in our heart and life. Repentance involves acknowledging the sin, confessing it to God, asking for forgiveness, and laying it at His feet. This can help position the heart to receive God's mercy and grace to overcome jealousy.
The Bible also shows that God can be jealous, though in a different way than humans. God's jealousy is a desire for people to return to the source of life and be saved, and it's a way of showing that he won't tolerate rivalry that takes away from the time and attention that should be devoted to him.
We want to use jealousy the way God is jealous.
When you feel jealous, it's not just an indication of envy toward someone else but a reflection of what you truly want for yourself.
The next time you feel that pang of jealousy, pause and ask yourself:
What is it about this person's achievement that makes me feel envious?
Is it career success? A beautiful relationship? Improved health?
Depending on the answer, what about this area of my life do I need to shift or change?
By answering these questions, you can uncover what you genuinely want in your own life and go after it. Stewing in envy helps no one and the only path forward is one of action. Once you identify your true desires, use the energy you poured into jealousy to fuel your journey. Here are some steps to transform envy into a positive force:
Make a Plan: Revisit your goals and aspirations or write a few new ones.
Get moving: You’ll be surprised how quickly the feelings of envy dissipate once you’re actively working toward your goals. You don’t even have to achieve the thing you’re envious of to start feeling better!
Remember, use jealousy as a guidepost pointing you toward what you truly desire. Notice it, learn from it, and let it propel you toward your God given dreams.
You should start to feel better…
