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What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Jealousy?

Jealousy is an emotion that all humans experience at some point in their lives. While it is a natural feeling, jealousy can also be a destructive force that can lead to sin and destruction.

As Christians, it is important to understand what the Bible says about jealousy and how we can overcome it to live a life of love and contentment.

The Bible provides numerous examples of jealousy and its consequences. From Cain and Abel to Joseph and his brothers, jealousy has led to some of the most tragic and destructive events in human history.

Despite its negative consequences, however, the Bible also provides examples of characters who overcame jealousy with God’s help, such as Joseph, David, and Jesus.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about jealousy, its causes, consequences, and how we can overcome it. We will examine the difference between jealousy and envy, the dangers of jealousy, and the strategies we can use to overcome jealousy.

Whether you struggle with jealousy yourself or want to help someone who does, this blog post will provide insights and guidance based on the wisdom of the Bible.

jealousy in the Bible

Definition of Jealousy

The Bible defines jealousy as a feeling of envy or bitterness towards someone who possesses something that we do not have. It is often accompanied by a desire to possess what they have or to see them lose it. The Bible warns us against jealousy because it can lead to sin and destruction.

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:16 NKJV)

It is important to note that there is a difference between jealousy and envy. While jealousy is a fear of losing something that is valuable to us, envy is a desire to possess something that someone else has. Envy is also condemned in the Bible.

Examples of Jealousy in the Bible

The Bible contains numerous examples of jealousy and its consequences. Here are a few:

Cain and Abel

In Genesis 4, we see the story of Cain and Abel. Cain became jealous of Abel because God favored Abel’s sacrifice over his. As a result, Cain killed Abel out of jealousy.

Joseph and His Brothers

In Genesis 37, we see the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph’s brothers became jealous of him because he was their father’s favorite son. They sold him into slavery out of jealousy.

Saul and David

In 1 Samuel 18, we see the story of Saul and David. Saul became jealous of David because he was more successful than him. Saul tried to kill David out of jealousy.

Jealousy Among the Disciples

In the New Testament, we see the disciples arguing over who among them was the greatest. This jealousy caused division among them.

These examples show us that jealousy can lead to sin and destruction if left unchecked.

God’s View of Jealousy

While jealousy is a natural human emotion, it is considered a sin in the Bible. The Bible warns us against jealousy because it can lead to other sins, such as hatred, anger, and murder.

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” (Colossians 3:8-10 NKJV)

God, Himself, is jealous for His people, but this is not the same as human jealousy. God’s jealousy is based on His love for His people and His desire for them to remain faithful to Him.

“For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24 NKJV)

God’s jealousy is not based on insecurity or fear of losing something, but rather on His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him.

Consequences of Jealousy

Jealousy can have negative consequences on our lives and relationships. Here are a few examples:

  • Destruction of Relationships: Jealousy can cause us to become possessive and controlling in our relationships, leading to a breakdown in trust and communication.
  • Hatred and Anger: Jealousy can lead to other sins such as hatred, anger, and murder, as we saw in the examples above.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Jealousy can cause stress and anxiety, as we become consumed with thoughts of what we do not have or fear losing what we do have.

The Bible tells us that jealousy can lead to all kinds of evil and destructive behaviors. James 3:14-15 says, “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.”

The Apostle Paul also warns us about the dangers of jealousy in Galatians 5:19-21, where he lists jealousy as one of the works of the flesh, which includes other sins such as idolatry, witchcraft, and hatred.

Overcoming Jealousy

While jealousy is a natural human emotion, it is important to overcome it to avoid its negative consequences. Here are some strategies for overcoming jealousy:

  • Focus on Gratitude: Focusing on the things we are grateful for can help us shift our focus away from what we do not have and towards the blessings we have been given. When we practice gratitude, we acknowledge God’s goodness in our lives and cultivate a heart of contentment.
  • Practice Self-Control: We can learn to control our thoughts and emotions through prayer and meditation. We can ask God to help us overcome jealousy and to give us the strength to resist the temptation to act on our jealous feelings. We can also take steps to control our behavior by avoiding situations that trigger our jealousy and by choosing to respond in love rather than in anger or resentment.
  • Recognize the Destructive Nature of Jealousy: We can remind ourselves of the negative consequences of jealousy and make a conscious effort to avoid acting on our jealous feelings. We can recognize that jealousy is not productive and that it only leads to pain and suffering.
  • Seek God’s Help: Ultimately, we need to seek God’s help in overcoming jealousy. We can ask Him to help us see ourselves and others as He sees us, and to give us the strength and wisdom to overcome jealousy. We can also ask Him to help us develop a heart of love and compassion for others, which can help us overcome feelings of envy and jealousy.

Examples of Characters in the Bible Who Overcame Jealousy

The Bible provides us with many examples of characters who overcame jealousy. Here are a few:

  • Joseph: Despite his brothers’ jealousy, Joseph remained faithful to God and ultimately forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery. He recognized that God was in control of his circumstances, and that he was not a victim of his brothers’ jealousy.
  • David: Despite Saul’s jealousy, David remained loyal to him and refused to take revenge against him, even when he had the opportunity to do so. He recognized that God had anointed him to be king, and that it was not his place to take matters into his own hands.
  • Jesus: Despite the jealousy and hatred of the religious leaders, Jesus remained faithful to His mission and ultimately sacrificed Himself for the salvation of all people. He recognized that His mission was to do the will of His Father, and that He had to endure the cross in order to fulfill that mission.

These examples show us that it is possible to overcome jealousy with God’s help. When we put our trust in God and seek His wisdom and strength, we can overcome jealousy and live a life of love, joy, and peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible warns us against jealousy because of its destructive nature. While it is a natural human emotion, it can lead to sin and destruction if left unchecked.

God’s jealousy is based on His love for His people, while human jealousy is based on insecurity and fear of losing something.

We can overcome jealousy through gratitude, self-control, recognizing its destructive nature, and seeking God’s help. With God’s help, we can overcome jealousy and live a life of love, joy, and peace.

As Christians, we are called to love one another and to rejoice in each other’s successes rather than being envious or jealous of them.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” When we love others as Christ loves us, we can overcome jealousy and live in harmony with one another.

If you struggle with jealousy, take heart. You are not alone. Seek God’s help and guidance, and remember that He loves you and wants you to live in freedom from jealousy. With His help, you can overcome jealousy and live a life of love and contentment.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.