Devotional: The Trap of Jealousy

Read: Genesis 37:1-11 (NLT)

This is a classic story of 'jealousy'.

The dreams Joseph had were God-given, revealing what was going to happen in the future. But it didn't come across that way when Joseph told his brothers and father the dreams. They thought he was being high and lofty. We would probably respond the same way if someone told us dreams like these. And because Joseph's brothers knew that he was Jacob's 'favourite', it just made the situation worse!

Maybe you can think of a time when you have felt jealous of someone else. Perhaps they got picked for something over you, or they have a talent that you wish you had (or that you wish you were just as good at). It doesn't matter for what reason you feel jealous, but it does matter how you respond to feeling that way. There will always be someone who may be just a little bit better than you at doing something, just like there will always be someone that may not be as good as you at something. God gifted us all differently—just the way He wanted it to be. He doesn't want us to compare abilities with someone else. He just wants us to use whatever He has given us for His glory—and He takes great pleasure in seeing that. It brings a smile to His face!

One practical way that I have found to crush any jealous feelings is to celebrate the person's talents and encourage them in it. We can also celebrate our talents by giving thanks to God for them and asking Him ways in which we can use them.

Remember, God created you with the talents and abilities that you have and rejoices over you. So, use your God-given talents to the best of your ability and celebrate another's abilities and success.

If you a struggling with feelings of jealousy, you may like to pray this prayer (put the person's name in the blanks):

Lord, I ask for forgiveness for being jealous of _________. I pray that you will help me to celebrate ___________ talents and to give you thanks for the talents you have given me. In Jesus' name.

And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. - Matthew 25:15(NKJV)

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