When a friend of yours does something special such as receiving recognition or they get a promotion at work or are named president or leader of some group, is your first reaction envy or do you rejoice for them? Perhaps you compare yourself and start feeling inadequate. Maybe your jealously is so strong it is difficult to wish them well. Everyone has a different purpose in life. God does not want us looking at others with jealously or resentment. If you feel that way try stopping what you are doing and pray to ask God to strip away any negative wrong emotions you may be harboring.
Satan is the master of mind manipulation trying to come in and get you thinking all sorts of wrong stuff. You may worry, compare, criticize, or just have bad thoughts. Are bad thoughts from our heavenly Father? The answer of course is NO.
So what do we do to combat this? The first thing is to keep yourself grounded in the word of God. Maybe put some nice praise and worship music on in your home or while diving in your car. Try to keep the attitude positive.
Romans 12:15(NLT) says 'Be happy with those who are happy and weep with those who weep.' James 3:14-16(ESV) further says 'But if you have bitter jealously 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 jealously and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.' Those verses sort of say it all. Rejoice and be glad for others and be thankful for where God has you in life.
PRAYER: Lord help me to be happy for others successes and not be envious or upset. You have given me gifts and abilities and for that I say thank you. Help me to truly rejoice with others over their achievements. Take away any envy. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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