Standing in a room full of women for the weekly Bible Study. Sitting in the living room with in-laws. Having lunch with some close girlfriends. It doesn’t take long in these situations for the red light to go off. The light that says things like, “why is she successful and not me?” “How are they living like that and not me?” “What makes her a “good” mom and not me?” “Why does she have those spiritual gifts and I have nothing?” 

The place where jealousy and envy begin. The seed that falls into the heart and begins to sprout. Every day we are faced with a reality of the hundreds of people our lives have contact with. Every day we find ourselves in situations where jealousy can be aroused. The comparison game that begins with just two women in a room. 

Have you felt the red light flashing in your heart? Have you wanted to run away from those around you for fear of not measuring up? Has the devil trapped you in a place of jealousy and envy?

Again, you are not alone. You are not the only women in those shoes. It is easy to see the gifts, talents and successes of others. Often the eyes from which we look at ourselves are very different. Critical. Demanding. And down right mean. The devil uses these glasses to bring us to a place of comparing. Turning the beautiful God-given gifts and talents of others into a battle. A war of jealousy. 

Recently, God has been showing me something precious. When I was in my early twenties I was quick to compare and become jealous. I was immature in my walk with the Lord. As the years have gone by God has worked on my heart in this area. God has helped me find new glasses when I look at others and when I look at myself. 

Every human life is God designed. Every human being has a God purpose and calling. Sit with that a minute…isn’t that amazing? Every woman in that Bible study, family gathering, lunch table has a God purpose. When I fill my heart with jealousy. When I allow the devil to twist God’s design I am losing. Losing a valuable gift. The gift of that woman. The gift of seeing that woman grow into her God purpose. 

Wow! When I see the truth. When I see the love and value God has for me and that woman my heart is in awe. Her gifts and talents are a blessing. Her call was designed to bless and bring glory to God. Why, oh why would I want to hinder that? 

Ladies, I am moved by this truth. I pray you are here with me. I pray that you can find release from any envious relationship that fills your heart. That you can begin to see the life of that woman and your own life as a blessing, a purposeful blessing.

Be blessed by others. Bless others with your gifts. No matter how large or small it feels. Every human has a purpose, a God call. Let go of jealousy and find love. Amazing God designed love. 

 

John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ESV

1 Corinthians 13:4  Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. ESV

Galatians 5:25-26  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. NKJV

2 Corinthians 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. NIV

James 3:14-18  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. ESV