Why Envy Is Dangerous
Why envy is dangerous
It interferes with the capacity for complete enjoyment and therefore for gratitude and it wants to spoil the good thing that or good person who is the source of something life-giving. So if you remember nothing else from this blog, do remember this: extreme envy wants to spoil and destroy.
Christian Counselor: How To Avoid Jealousy And Envy
Winston Churchill explained in his famous quote that, Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. In reality, a persons attitude in life really is all important. Much of my counseling work can center around helping people accept their reality and I aim to help shape the proper attitude. Many, if not most people are guilty of having poor attitudes about themselves, the world, and God. Unfortutnately, it is human nature to compare ourselves to others. Jealousy and envy are a toxic combination of anger, insecurity, fear, and greed.
Jealousy is related to desiring what others have and envy centers around resentment of other peoples blessings and prosperity. Both of these are the opposite of love and seek to see another persons misfortune. The root causes of jealousy and envy are connected to a persons inability to see what God has provided in their life and a lack of thankfulness. James 3:16 states, For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
Other causes can be the constant comparison with others, low self-esteem, and the desire for status and attention. Risk factors include poor parenting/marriage, lack of intimate friendships, too much time on social media websites, and lack of intimacy with God.
Jealousy Results In Many Different Sins
This one sin has led to murder, slander, theft, rape, adultery, and more. Envy is dangerous and it breaks many relationships. Satan envied God and it resulted in him being thrown out of Heaven. Cain envied Abel and it resulted in the first murder ever recorded. We have to be careful when it comes to envy.
18. James 4:2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
19. Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy?
20. James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, dont brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.
21. Acts 7:9 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.
22. Exodus 20:17 Do not covet your neighbors house. Do not covet your neighbors wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
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Jealousy & Envy Are Liars
Feelings of jealousy and envy put little cracks in our personal satisfaction with life. They poke and whisper that we aren’t happy with what God has given usthat what we have isn’t enough. And, yes, sometimes it does feel that way. That’s just human nature. But those aren’t feelings we should dwell upon, because they’ll only produce more darkness and eat away at our contentment.
God has unimaginable good planned for you, and He isn’t going anywhere . Take the focus off selfish desires and jealousy and turn it toward serving others and finding ways to love as Jesus loves. When we put others first, our hearts begin to shift away from selfishness and toward self-LESS-ness. No, being selfless isn’t the way of the world, but…that’s not we’re about, is it?
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will.”Romans 12:2
TL DR
Writer/Editor: Catiana N.K.
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not writing, cooking, or drawing, she enjoys spending time with her two teenage kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
WILL
Bible Verses For Love Is Not Jealous
1 Corinthians 13:4Charity suffereth long, and is kind charity envieth not charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up
Explanation:- If we really love God then well begin charitable works in our midst. If we put God first then we will be able to follow him. The scripture says that God wants his people to be his imitator.
After knowing Jesus we cannot betray each other. But the teachings of Jesus will help us to give up all the evil things to walk in the path of the Lord.
Galatians 5:22-23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law
Explanation:- We must possess the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It will give us love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness. Apart from these, we will have faith in God, meekness and it will also help us to endure any hardships to overcome temptations. The Lord is good and he loves us so if we surrender our lives then he will give us such fruits of his spirit.
1 John 4:8He that loveth not knoweth not God for God is love
Explanation:- If we say we worship the true God but we dont have love in our hearts then we are deceiving ourselves. God himself is love, one who worships him must have love in his heart for others.
He will have compassion and kindness when others make mistakes. He will be able to forgive his enemies. We can only say that we know God only if we have love in our hearts.
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Our World Today Is Corrupted By The Greed Of Evil Desires Instead Of Loving They Hate Celebrating A Friends Success Has Also Become A Thorn In The Flesh For Others It Is Time Every Human Pay Attention To What The Bible Says About Jealousy
Have you felt jealous of someone before? I believe about 99.9% of my readers will admit to being jealous at some point in their lives. Could I be an exception? I dont think so. Its a human feeling just like hatred, anger, etc, But hey, this thing has no place in my heart. It is a wrongful desire that grieves the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, all these feelings are negative emotions that could cause a lot of damage. What does the Bible say about jealousy? Is it a sin? Its time to figure it out.
Before we seek answers and directions from the Bible, lets catch a quick understanding of the true meaning of jealousy.
The Collins Dictionary defines jealousy as:
The feeling of anger or bitterness which someone has when they think that another person is trying to take a lover or friend, or a possession, away from them.
In simple words, I will say its about unhealthy rivalship. Kill any feeling of hate, envy, jealousy, etc before it destroys you.
I believe after reading this post about the Biblical teachings concerning jealousy, you would exercise absolute self-control to wade off such kinds of desires and be a pleasing aroma for the Lord. Remember, the love and the genuine friendship that existed between Jonathan and David and replicate it.
Bible Verses About Jealousy
Here are some bible verses about jealousy. They also cover envy and covetousness because depending on the version of the bible you read you will find that these may be interchangeable. Weâve used the version referenced beside each verse so that you know where to find it.
To read more about what the bible says on the Jealousy of man verses Godâs Jealousy for us Click Here
1 Corinthians 3:3 âFor you are still of the flesh . For as long as envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere men?â
1 Corinthians 13:4 âLove endures long and is patient and kind love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.â
James 3:14 âBut if you have bitter jealousy and contention in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.â
Galatians 5:20-21 âIdolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger , selfishness, divisions , party spirit ,Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.â
Job 5:2 âFor vexation and rage kill the foolish man jealousy and indignation slay the simple.â
Proverbs 6:34 âFor jealousy makes man furious therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance .â
Romans 13:11-14 âAnd
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The Result Of The Battle Against Envy
When we use the sword of Gods word in obedience to the Spirit, we overcome envy and God can create something new in us we become generous, loving, full of blessing, rejoicing with those who rejoice!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christs have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18.
Make use of these scriptures about envy and how to overcome it as a strength and inspiration to live according to Gods will and become a blessing in every circumstance!
Jealousy Leads To Being A Hater
Envy is one of the top reasons why people slander others for no reason. After hearing the good news of others some people search for something negative to say because they are envious. Haters are envious people and they dont understand that they are envious. They dont understand that the reason they try to make people look bad in front of others, give people bad advice, and destroy their name is because they are envious. They dont like someone else getting praise and compliments.
16. Psalm 109:3 They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without cause.
17. Psalm 41:6 When someone comes to visit, he pretends to be friendly he thinks of ways to defame me, and when he leaves he slanders me.
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What Does The Bible Say About Envy
Envy is not something that true Christians should keep in their hearts. Instead, what should we do if there is jealousy in any of us? Lets read in 1 Peter 2:1:
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. I Peter 2:1 NIV
When it comes to envy, some have looked upon others, and have envied them for their success or for the material possessions they have acquired. As for overcoming envy or coveting what others may have materially, the Bible reminds us:
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 NIV
The Bible very clearly instructs us to keep our lives free from the love of money and to be content with what you have. How can we do that? We might not have as much living space as wed like, and we may even find ourselves in very difficult situations, such as losing our livelihood, but the Bible reminds us that God will never leave His people. That promise allows us to avoid and overcome volatile emotions.
Even Ministry Work Can Be Done Out Of Envy
Some people change up their style because they are envious of others. We have to be careful that we are doing things for the glory of God and not the glory of man. Why do you think we have so much prosperity preachers and false teachers? People are envious of the success of other false teachers. People want to be used of God. They want what they have. They want a big ministry, recognition, money, etc. Many times God gives people this and then, He throws them into Hell. Ask yourself this. Why do you do the things that you do?
4. Philippians 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
5. Matthew 6:5 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
6. John 12:43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
How much time do you spend on social media?
Social media especially Instagram is the big reason for the increase of envy. I guarantee that if you are on it long enough you will start counting the blessings of others and not your own. We have all done it before. We see people taking trips, doing this, doing that, etc. Then, you start to think wow my life stinks! Many times things are not what they seem. People smile for pictures, but are depressed inside. Models dont look like models without being edited.
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What Is The Biblical Definition Of Jealousy
Its no coincidence that jealous comes from zealous, which meansardent devotion. The first uses of jealous in English were attached to biblical devotion, then to lovers. If you have, or had, something, and are trying to protect it, you are jealous of it.
Josephs Brothers Are Perfect Examples Of Jealousy In The Bible
Josephs brothers are the best example of jealousy. But its also the most destructive form of jealousy. It all started when Joseph had a dream, and his brothers hated him for it. He told them, Hear my dreams: We were binding sheep in the field, then, behold! My sheep rose and stood upright. Your sheaves gathered around it and bowed to my sheaf .
His brothers were furious and asked, Are you to rule us? Or are you really to rule over us? So they hated him even further for his dreams . One reason for the problem was Joseph, Jacobs favorite child. Jacob gave Joseph a coat in many colors to symbolize Jacobs prominence. They conspired against Joseph when he came near to them. They spoke to one another, saying, Here comes a dreamer.
Let us now kill him and put him in one of the pits. We will then say that a fierce beast has devoured Joseph, and well see what happens to his dreams. . Joseph was sold to his brothers, and eventually, he died. But, much later, the brothers would realize that their jealousy, clearly sinful, had done much good .
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What Is The Spiritual Root Of Envy
Envy also, at its core, comes from the lack of belief that God is all powerful, cares about you deeply and has wonderful plans for your life. or be envious of those who do wrong for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
What The Bible Says About Jealousy And Envy
Quarantine envy becoming more common as pandemic continues
As a myriad of problems ravage the world, so many people feel powerless. And, there are those who become filled with a desire to step on each other in order to protect their interests. People are trying to find solutions for their challenges, such as the feeling of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, but then a feeling of envy begins to creep in as well. Im an essential worker, why cant I have a job that allows me to work from home?
And then those who can work remotely begin to ask, Why cant I have a home with more space? or Why cant I have a backyard? It must be nice, they think, but they feel frustrated and helpless, with no ability to change the situation.
A recent article from The New York Times describes a situation in which hospital workers start to turn against each other in order to get the vaccine. So, at first it was just quarantine envy that people were facing, but an even more specific phenomenon seen as vaccine envy has surfaced.
Whether youve felt envious before, or have dealt with the negative effects of jealousy in the past, you know that nothing good can come out of this feeling.
But what can we learn from the Bible about overcoming jealousy and envy? And what should we fill our hearts with instead?
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The Daily Devotion For September 26 2016 Focuses On The Dangers Of
As such, I’m stressing the dangers of these two negative emotions by sharing some Biblical references.
Here are 10 Bible verses on envy and jealousy.
1. Proverbs 14:30 “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
2. Mark 7:21-22 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.”
3. Job 5:2 “Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple.”
4. Proverbs 23:17-18 “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
5. James 3:14-16 “But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, dont brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.”
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6. Exodus 20:17 “Do not covet your neighbors house. Do not covet your neighbors wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
8. 1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”