Have you ever felt jealous of someone else? It could be genuine jealousy where you begin to get angry just thinking about them or just the fleeting thought that you wish you had what they have. I will confess that I have been jealous of others before. There were people in my life that were receiving what I thought I deserved and I didn’t like. However, it is through God’s grace that I learned there is no need to be jealous. I, myself, have been abundantly blessed and rather than discounting what I have, I should be thankful because everything I have is thanks to Jesus.

“in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

            The topic of jealousy has been on my mind now for two weeks. It all started when my family and I were having a Bible study session. For the past few weeks, we have been reading the book of John together and discussing the parts of the scripture that stood out to us. Well, in our last Bible study session we read the last chapter of John. A part that stood out to me was verses 18-22. This takes place after Jesus was resurrected from the grave. Here we see Jesus speaking to Peter, one of His beloved disciples.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me”. Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”.  Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”. Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”- John 21:18-22

            For those of you who do not know, the disciple that Peter was asking about was John. Now, this isn’t a perfect example of jealousy, but I want you to take notice of something. Here Jesus tells Peter how he will die, yet in his death he will glorify God. As soon as Jesus told him this he asks about how John will die. When Jesus answered him, Peter thought that Jesus meant to say that John would not die. However, that is not what Jesus said at all. Rather He said that it shouldn’t matter to Peter what happens to John. His priority was to focus on Jesus not the lives of others.

            Looking back at my life, I have come to realize that in those times I was jealous of someone it was because I was focusing on their lives instead of my own life. If we look at the definition of envy we see that it means to feel discontent or resentment toward someone else because of their possessions, qualities, or luck. To put it simply, they have something I don’t have and I want it. Now, these verses don’t say that Peter was jealous, but he was focusing on John’s life rather than his own at that moment. In all honesty, that’s how it starts. It creeps inside with just one simple thought, “Why don’t I have that?”.

“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

            When we let envy in, we become angry and resentful people. There is only one way to learn how to let go of that envy and that is to do as Jesus said…follow Him. Let Jesus help you let go of that jealousy and to help you be thankful for the things you have. You have been abundantly blessed. When I was working in a life insurance company, I was jealous of several of my coworkers. Why? Well, being that our job was commission-based and they were doing a lot better me, was a pretty big set off. God spoke to me through a song called “Who I’m Meant to Be” by Anthem Lights. In one verse of the song, it says, “Everyone is on their way, but I am standing still. Comparing my behind the scenes against their highlight reel. I’m burning so much energy, won’t let it keep distracting me anymore”. I honestly recommend you all to listen to the song. It has been a blessing to me time and time again.

            God showed me two things. 1) I was comparing my hard times to everyone else’s great moments. 2) By focusing on others, not only was I exhausting myself trying to be like them, but I was missing the blessing I did have in my life. We see that the Bible tells us to be thankful in all things. On top of that, God has a plan for you. This plan isn’t for anyone else…just you. Why be jealous of someone else when God has something just for you? Therefore, if you are suffering from envy, let your Lord Jesus Christ help you. If He has the power to still the waters, then don’t you think He as the power to help you?

“The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea.” – Psalm 93: 4

            Our Lord and Savior can help you through all things. I know that we are living in dark and scary times, but my faith is in Jesus. I pray that He gives you all the strength, peace, love, faith, and wisdom to get through any troubles you may be facing right now. Let Him guide you. He won’t let you go astray. Give yourself to Jesus today. Don’t wait any longer.

“Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance… Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence. If I say, ‘My foot slips,’ Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up in the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. ” – Psalm 94:12-14, 16-19