IT WILL STUNT YOUR GROWTH
"But the unbelieving Jews were aroused to jealousy . . ."(Acts 17:5 AMP)
Oftentimes the words "jealousy" and "envy" are used as synonyms of one another. They do have similarities, yet they spring from different sources and lead to different results. Envy springs from pride (the desire to appear superior, mostly in degree of prosperity, reputation and happiness). The envious seek to belittle; begrudges, even hates, an other's real (or perceived) success or superiority. Envy induces feelings of pain, uneasiness, discontent, hatred and malice. Envy leads to covetousness and competitiveness. Jealousy, on the other hand, springs from fear. The fear of losing some "good" for ourselves. Feelings of suspicion and indignation are aroused as we take up a vigilant attitude and position over what we fear we will lose. With the posture of suspicious vigilance comes the readiness to fight an opponent (real or perceived) for that which we prize and desire. Jealousy results in strife (quarreling and/or warlike contention). Though Scripture reveals our God as a "jealous God," His jealousy communicates His concern for His character and government and a holy anger against those who violate His laws and attack His majesty (See Psalm 79).
The jealousy, and resulting strife, that often erupted between the apostles and Jewish leaders was the result of the Jews fear of losing the superiority and prosperity that their traditions had brought them--traditions not faith in God Almighty. The traditions of men are not always reverential of the Lord God. They may be observed to make some men appear superior over other men and in that lies sin against God and our fellow Christians. Think about it.
{NOTE: For more Scriptural information on envy see Matthew 27:18, Mark 7: 21-23; Romans 1:28 (29)-32; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:3; 1 Peter 2:1. For more information on jealousy see Acts 5:17, 13:45; Romans 11:14, 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3, 10:22; 2 Corinthians 11:2, 12:20; Galatians 5:20; James 3:14, 3:16. Concerning strife, read Romans 1:29, 13:13; ! Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:9. Take note that in many of the aforementioned Scriptures strife is almost always in the company of jealousy or envy.}
"But the unbelieving Jews were aroused to jealousy . . ."(Acts 17:5 AMP)
Oftentimes the words "jealousy" and "envy" are used as synonyms of one another. They do have similarities, yet they spring from different sources and lead to different results. Envy springs from pride (the desire to appear superior, mostly in degree of prosperity, reputation and happiness). The envious seek to belittle; begrudges, even hates, an other's real (or perceived) success or superiority. Envy induces feelings of pain, uneasiness, discontent, hatred and malice. Envy leads to covetousness and competitiveness. Jealousy, on the other hand, springs from fear. The fear of losing some "good" for ourselves. Feelings of suspicion and indignation are aroused as we take up a vigilant attitude and position over what we fear we will lose. With the posture of suspicious vigilance comes the readiness to fight an opponent (real or perceived) for that which we prize and desire. Jealousy results in strife (quarreling and/or warlike contention). Though Scripture reveals our God as a "jealous God," His jealousy communicates His concern for His character and government and a holy anger against those who violate His laws and attack His majesty (See Psalm 79).
The jealousy, and resulting strife, that often erupted between the apostles and Jewish leaders was the result of the Jews fear of losing the superiority and prosperity that their traditions had brought them--traditions not faith in God Almighty. The traditions of men are not always reverential of the Lord God. They may be observed to make some men appear superior over other men and in that lies sin against God and our fellow Christians. Think about it.
{NOTE: For more Scriptural information on envy see Matthew 27:18, Mark 7: 21-23; Romans 1:28 (29)-32; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:3; 1 Peter 2:1. For more information on jealousy see Acts 5:17, 13:45; Romans 11:14, 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3, 10:22; 2 Corinthians 11:2, 12:20; Galatians 5:20; James 3:14, 3:16. Concerning strife, read Romans 1:29, 13:13; ! Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:9. Take note that in many of the aforementioned Scriptures strife is almost always in the company of jealousy or envy.}
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
