The Olive Branch

Everyone has experienced the awful feeling that is jealousy. Longing for something you want but can’t have, and envying those who have it. It will often leave you feeling hurt, less than, and resentful. There are many things you could get jealous of; others getting rewards or promotions you feel you deserve, a couple of your friends hanging out without you, other people’s possessions, money, status, looks, abilities, etc. And while sometimes our reasons for being jealous seem like good reasons, jealousy is NEVER a good thing. It’s like a fire that will consume you if you don’t put it out, constantly flooding your mind, and greatly affecting your mental health. So how do you avoid jealousy and prevent it from taking over your life? The key is being content. If you’re content with what you have you won’t long for what others have. Contentment isn’t being okay with not having enough, but understanding that what you have IS enough and being satisfied with it. It’s something you should pray and strive for daily, and while it doesn’t come naturally, it will leave you with a happier life and a healthier mindset. Don’t ever be jealous of what God’s doing for someone else, the talents he’s given them, or how he’s using them, because that’s meant for them. What God has for you, he will give to YOU. He has a plan and a purpose for your life and that purpose is not for you to have the same life as the person you envy. God needs you to stop being who you know you aren’t and start being who he says you are. So when something wonderful happens to your friend, classmate, colleague, or family member, be happy for them and have peace in knowing God has something wonderful for you as well. So what about on the flip side, if someone is jealous of you? You should never purposefully provoke jealousy in someone just to make yourself feel good about your life. As we already talked about, jealousy is a very degrading and overwhelming thing, and to purposefully put that on someone is an awful thing to do. However, you should never be made to feel guilty about what God has blessed you with, and if you are humble and mindful about other people’s feelings you cannot be blamed for someone’s jealousy of you. You can’t stop someone from wanting what you have, all you can do is be grateful for it and continue to show that person love and grace. Thank you for reading and I pray this helps you overcome jealousy in your life.

Your friend, Olivia

Proverbs 27:4 “Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.” (nlt)