THE EVIL OF JEALOUSY

 

Text: Genesis 37: 1-11

Scripture: 

Jealousy is as cruel as the grave; the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flames (Song of Solomon 8:6b)

Today's text shows the ugly repeat of a family mistake. Jacob's parents fell into the error of favouring one child over another. Even though Jacob suffered because of this he is still making the same mistake with his own children. History therefore, repeats itself. Joseph is the Apple of his father's eye but envy of his brothers. Innocently  Joseph shares his dreams with his own flesh and blood but they being older, understood the implication of that dream more than Joseph himself, hence, their jealousy is fueled even more .

With whom do you share your dreams, visions and aspirations? We must be extremely careful at this. Be wise as serpents and humble as a dove, Jesus warns. Humbly note the word of prophecy given upon you both in scriptures and otherwise, but hold it in your heart while praying earnestly for God to reveal his mind to you on the way forward. He will bring the helpers of your destiny and make then known in a way you can't be confused. That way, you know the right person to share your dreams with who will not kill them before they are made real.

The scripture above shows the destructive effect of jealousy. It is likened to an unquenchable fire. Unfortunately, this fire burns and consumes the jealous person himself. Jealousy is a terrible fruit of the flesh. It festers hatred and promotes only evil. It schemes and crafts evil while showing love in hypocrisy. In the outline of Galatians 5: 19 we see it as one of the character which the flesh manifests. The only antidote, therefore, is love. Love is the only fruit of the spirit capable of overcoming the deadly strength of jealousy. For as jealousy is cruel as the grave; love is as strong as death. This ugly trait can spring up even in the most mature believer. Watch out for it's ugly head and bring it to the foot of the cross anytime it manifests. We must not be overcome by evil but rather we must overcome evil with good 

Father, please keep us away from evil of jealousy. Fill our hearts with the love  and wisdom of Christ that we may seek the well being of others instead of their downfall . Help us also to jealously guard our God given visions lest they fall into the wrong hands. In Jesus name Amen