Jealousy—It Can Be Kind Or Bad… Hello weekend readers. I have musings about jealousy and it’s because of these past few weeks where jealousy has reigned and it was the bad jealousy. From politics, Hollywood, sports, etc., it’s like little kids who say “I am better than you” and wow, how sad. Here is a story about a famous novelist and playwright, read his story and think about what jealousy can do to a person…

Samuel Beckett received great recognition for his work, both novelist and playwright. If someone didn’t care for his writings and plays, he’d laugh and it didn’t bug him at all. His wife— Suzanne Dechevaux-Dumesnil, however, had a different story. She was plagued with jealousy of her husband’s growing fame and success, even though she was one of the best pianists in the world! One day in 1969, he heard her answer the phone and hang-up in a rage. She turned to him with a disappointed sob and then said with a nasty tone saying “What a catastrophe.” He asked her what this catastrophe was and she said “You have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature and you don’t deserve it! I should get a Nobel Prize because I am one of the best pianists in the world.” The reason she didn’t get this wonderful award is because of her nasty jealousy! Surprisingly, they never divorced and one has to wonder how Beckett could have stayed with his wife who was so intolerant and threatening.

Jealousy comes in different forms—good and bad. There is the good, kind jealousy that we see in Exodus 20:5 where God tells the Israelites to have no other God except for him. This is not a jealousy birthed out of insecurity. God was not jealous of other gods…our God is jealous for the hearts of his people because he loves them so much. On the other hand, there’s the bad kind of jealousy that is rooted in sin and shame and wishes failure on others instead of success and this is what we must avoid! In fact, as we see others who are successful in life and who God blesses abundantly, we’re to rejoice with them in those blessings even if it is hard to do!

James the Apostle says this in 3:14-1 [TPT]  “But if there is bitter jealousy or competition hiding in your heart, then don’t deny it and try to compensate for it by boasting and being phony. For that has nothing to do with God’s heavenly wisdom but can best be described as the wisdom of this world, both selfish and devilish. So wherever jealousy and selfishness are uncovered, you will also find many troubles and every kind of meanness.” 

When jealousy rises in your heart, ask God to help you change that perspective to words and actions of encouragement. Then take the time to encourage someone who is experiencing problems with jealousy. Share God’s blessings with them and help them to remove their jealousy so they can rejoice with a healthy heart and soul.

In closing, don’t allow jealousy to embitter you. Like Beckett’s marriage, you will find that your joy of living is more like a struggle that will never end. And sadly, you’ll become bitter and angry and no one will want to be around you! Instead, rejoice with those whom God blesses and in due time, God will bless you, too! Try this: “Who can you rejoice with today with good jealousy and who can you help someone with bad jealousy?” Think about this: One cure for jealousy is cultivating contentment and appreciation for what you do have. So, how many blessings can you list in three minutes…1-2-3-GO! And please, thank the Holy Spirit who whispers in our ears and hearts to keep us from being bitter jealous people. AMEN.