Signs Of Envy & Jealousy
How do you find that if you have envy and jealousy in your life? Here are some signs of envy and jealousy to alert us so we can repent of these sins.
1. Withdrawal and depression -We often get depressed when we don't get our way or what we want. "Life is unfair, I am not going to participate or try my best any more."
2. Pessimistic attitude - those who envy tend to be negative about most things, for they are focused on what they don't have rather than on what they do have. "I will never have what others have." They find it easier to show sympathy and "weep with those who weep" than to exhibit joy and "rejoice with those who rejoice." They fail to count their blessings and see how much God has blessed them.
3. Fault-finding - they invent reasons for their lack and others gain in order to justify the emptiness of their own heart and life. "Others don't deserve what they have. They have an unfair advantage." Some politicians play on people's envy and jealousy to gain votes for themselves by promising to make things fairer regardless of whether it is earned or not.
4. Self-pity - people who will tell you how miserable they are tend to be full of envy. They wish their lives were like others. They look for happiness in getting the "next" thing they think will finally satisfy them. They make unnecessary purchases, even incurring debt to get it. They go "binge" shopping to feel better.
5. Un-thankfulness -Even when they do get some things, it is never good enough or sufficient. Their attitude is, "Well, it's about time I received something; however, others still have more than me." In our culture, we are constantly bombarded with messages that say we MUST have more, the newest, or something we don't already have. It is the cause for vast amounts of dissatisfaction among American Christians although we already have more than we need!
6. Gossiping and back-biting. Acts 13: 42-52: As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
The Jews became infuriated with jealousy toward Paul and Barnabas when they preached that God's blessings were now available to all Gentiles. Quickly, the Jews whipped up antagonistic opposition against Paul and Barnabas. Why were they jealous?
Whenever people become obsessed with jealousy or envy, they demonstrate a misperception of the truth. The Jews were careful to guard their own rights, privileges, and status as the only people of God. Resentful suspicion of the Gentiles and their new influence completely enraged the Jewish leaders by threatening their dominance. They did not want to welcome outsiders into their midst. They had grown comfortable with the status quo, the power and privilege.
Jealousy creates destructive behavior. "But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region." Do not be surprised if even the most respectable people in the church or community join in jealous persecution. Jealousy and envy come from an evil spirit, not the Holy Spirit. Ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit and His love.
Recognize that jealousy is rooted in immature and selfish desires. It causes division in the Church, in families, and among people. Be careful not to fall into any trap of jealousy or you will lose your love of God and His perspective of the Truth.
Let us reflect about the jealousy feelings of our heart.
Do I have signs of envy and jealousy in my life?
What makes me envy or jealous of others recently and why?
Why do you get restless, depressed and upset when God blesses my relatives, friends and neighbors?
Am I thankful for what has blessed me with so far?