UNCLOGGING YOUR HEART FROM JEALOUSY
Spiritual Heart Care
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” Proverbs 4:23
JEALOUSY: “GOD OWES ME”
Resenting God’s goodness in other’s lives. And ignoring God’s goodness in my own life.
Things we are Jealous about: People’s…
Possessions – Popularity – Privilege – Power – Position – Physical – Appearance
I. HOW JEALOUSY RUINS RELATIONSHIPS
• IT CAUSES CONFLICT
“… You are jealous [for] what others have, [and you can’t possess it], so you fight and [quarrel] to take it away from them…”
James 4:2 (NLT)
• IT DESTROYS HEALTH
“A tranquil heart makes for a healthy body, but jealousy is like bone cancer.” Proverbs 14:30 (GW)
“… the reason people work hard and try to succeed: They are jealous of each other…” Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NCV)
• IT LEADS OTHER SINS
“Where jealousy and selfishness are, there will be confusion and every kind of evil.” James 3:16 (NCV)
THE STARTING POINT: ADMIT IT!
“But if at heart you have the bitterness of jealousy, or selfish ambition, don’t be boastful or hide the truth with lies.” James 3:14 (NJB)
II. THE CURE FOR A JEALOUS HEART – CELEBRATE OTHERS
“Continue to love each other with true Christian love … be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:1; 5-6
HOW TO CELEBRATE OTHERS
1. RECOGNIZE MY UNIQUENESS
“You (God) created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb … You saw me before I was born and scheduled every day of my life before I began to breathe.” Psalm 139:13; 15-16 (GNT & TLB)
2. RESIST COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS
“Each one should test his own actions. Then [he] can take pride in [himself], without comparing [himself] to somebody else.”
Galatians 6:4 (NIV)
3. REJOICE IN WHAT I HAVE
“Give thanks in all circumstances…” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
“… It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.” Ecclesiastes 6:9 (GNT)
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 (ESV; NIV)
“Love is not jealous.” 1 Corinthians 13:4b (NCV)
4. RELAX IN GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
“Don’t be jealous of those who do wrong, because like the grass, they will soon dry up… Trust the LORD and do good.” Psalm 37:1-3 (NCV)
Eternal truths we need to remind ourselves:
• God is in IN CONTROL
• God is ALWAYS LOVING & FAIR.
• God KNOWS what is BEST for ME.
5. REFOCUS GOD’S PLAN FOR ME
“Turn me away from wanting any other plan than yours…” Psalm 119:37 (TLB)
“Don’t be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the LORD be the concern of your life. If it is, you have a bright future.” Proverbs 23:17 (GNT)