Jealousy and the consequences Part 2

"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." 

                                                        James 3:16    NKJV

Yesterday, we saw how jealousy worked in the lives of Rebekah and Jacob, and the knock on effect that it had on Esau when he realised the consequences of selling his birthright to his brother. Today, let us look further on the subject of jealousy.

Jealousy and envy are two closely related subjects: Jealousy is the fear of losing what you have, and Envy is coveting what others have. We saw yesterday how these two subjects figured painfully within Issac's family. Prior to this, there had been the account of Cain and Able. Able had brought to God a much more favourable offering than Cain had, and received God's blessing. Cain became jealous of him and killed him. Throughout scripture we can find various examples of jealousy between people. It started when Satan became jealous of God and tried to put himself in the place of God so that he could be worshipped (Isaiah 14:12-18). Because of this, Satan and a third of the angels, who had taken Satan's side, were cast out of heaven.

King David's brothers were jealous of his success (1 Sam 17:28). From thereon after David's success of killing the giant, Goliath, Saul became insanely jealous of David and tried to kill him many times. People were jealous of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego because of their position and reported them to the king for praying to God instead of the golden statue. They were cast in the fiery furnace, but survived, unharmed. Later, others reported Daniel for praying  to God instead of the newly formed edict they had manipulated Darius to sign. He was cast into the Lion's Den, but again survived. And there is much more throughout the New Testament. Some were even Jealous of Jesus and His disciples.

Jealousy was a big thing in scripture and, it still is today. People are jealous of others who are placed in authority in the church. Pastor's are targeted for things that may go wrong or could have been done better. Take a look at our text today "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." It is akin to judging, and when we judge someone, we will be judged by God too. 

You may have jealous thoughts about someone. Let's be honest, we all have those moments that we become jealous. It is a part of humanity but, it is something that we need to work on and put right. If you, like myself, feel this way about someone, talk to God about it. It will come as no surprise to Him; He knows everything. However, we are being honest by confessing it to Him. 

And He will help us.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle Check it out. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.