What does the Bible say about being jealous?
Here's the answer:
Jealousy is an emotion that can impact our relationships.
Jealousy is an emotion we feel with other people. We might be jealous of things another person does or things in life they have. Jealousy also happens when we're protective of our relationships, rights, or things. For example, when you see your friend playing with someone else, you may feel jealous. You want to be a part of that group too, or you don't want your friend to have other friends. Or when your sister has a big birthday party and receives a lot of presents, you may feel jealous of the attention she is getting.
It is easy to become jealous of others because it’s a natural human emotion. However, jealousy is not a character trait of a Christian. The Bible tells us to not be jealous of others (Galatians 5:26).
The cure for jealousy is loving others (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). When we love others, we won’t be as likely to be jealous of them. We'll want what is best for them, and we'll also be more willing to trust and to share. Make it your goal to love others just as God loves them.
With the Holy Spirit’s help, He can help you stop being jealous of others. God will help us have healthy relationships and help us love others well.
There is a time when jealousy is not sin. The Bible says that God is a jealous God, but this is a different kind of jealousy. It is not that God is jealous because someone has something He wants or needs. God is jealous when someone gives to another something that rightly belongs to Him. He is jealous when we worship another god.
Bible Truth
"You are still following the ways of the world. Some of you are jealous. Some of you argue. So aren’t you following the ways of the world? Aren’t you acting like ordinary human beings?" (1 Corinthians 3:3).
"Let us not become proud. Let us not make each other angry. Let us not want what belongs to others" (Galatians 5:26).
"But the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself. There is no law against things of that kind" (Galatians 5:22-23).
