Every person knows what it feels like to get pinged with that wretched feeling of jealousy.
Sometimes we begin to normalize it internally or justify it, or worse, shove it deep down allowing it to fester.
Jealousy though is a deep issue that ruins relationships. You cannot have love and jealousy in a friendship.
- Acknowledge.
Sometimes we don’t even realize that jealousy is leaching out of us. It happened to me just the other day so randomly. It had been a while since I felt jealousy so it felt foreign, yet grossly familiar.
It was over something so stupid with a friend that I hardly kept up with anymore. After a few minutes went by and I acknowledged it, I was able to do the following steps and immediately felt such freedom.
We need to realize that the yucky thought and feeling we feel is jealousy and need to get rid of it immediately.
Also, acknowledge that jealousy is a horrible thing, it’s a sin that God hates and doesn’t want us to have in us. This is not to bring shame or condemnation but to shine light onto something that often wants to stay dark and moldy. See jealousy for what it is, a gross, ugly, relationship killer that needs to be exposed and stopped immediately.
Proverbs 13:40 says this, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” and 1 Corinthians 3:3 says, “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” - Bless the Person
It’s hard to be jealous of someone when you truly want what’s best for them, which is what blessing does.
1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
When I am actively praying with my friends for breakthroughs, it’s so hard to be jealous once that breakthrough comes because my heart has been connected to God’s heart in prayer for them.
If we’re not already praying for that person, there is great power when we begin to bless the very thing in their life we are jealous of. We can pray that the Lord blesses them, protects them, and thank God for the gifting they were given and pray for it to be used for God’s glory.
Maybe they have a beautiful house you want. Well bless their home and pray for their home to filled with God’s presence. Maybe you are jealous of another girl’s looks. Pray to draw others closer to God through her beauty. Or maybe you’re jealous of their husband. You can simply thank God for giving your friend a great husband and bless him. - Be Grateful and Content
There is such power in being grateful and content.
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Cause yourself to thank God for the things you have. It might be way less than what that other person has but every person living has something to get grateful for. Focus on what you do have and thank God for those blessings he has given you.
It might just be a hot shower, a bed, a husband, or food. Even the simple things we take for granted. When we thank Him for even the “small” things our hearts get filled with contentment. - Believe God Wants to Bless You
When we no longer have a poverty mindset and know that God wants blessings for us, it’s so much easier to be free from jealousy.
When one of my best friends paid off all her debt, something we prayed would happen, I got to celebrate with her and asked her to pray that over me since God blessed her. I knew that the Lord loves me as much as He loves her and wants me to be financially free too.
This isn’t thinking God is the magic genie that gives us whatever we want but it’s trusting that He does give good gifts.
James 1:17 says this, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
God is a good Father that wants His children to walk in the blessings He has for them. This doesn’t look the same for each of His children but we can rest knowing He loves us so much and every good gift comes from Him.
Once you try these steps, see how jealously leaves your soul and how freer you feel!
Many blessings!