B13.02.86.htm

JEALOUSY.

Those that are exalted by God are the most envied. And strangely, as they progress in their course of spirit readjustment and humility, increasingly so. They are envied by those without virtue who seek only to dispirit them.

Envy is evident when resentful comparisons are made in one's spirit between oneself and another; as in the case of Cain, who after receiving an unfavourable response from Almighty God over his offered gift, killed his brother Abel in a fit of jealous rage. Instead of exercising honest self‑scrutiny and learning by his error of judgement, he tried to justify it by exacting revenge on his brother Abel the one serving as a reminder of his sin. (Gen 4:1-11).

While some nurture jealousy and envy, others recognise the need for honest self-appraisal and spirit readjustment, learning from their mistakes rather than harbouring resentment. One must expect setbacks in one's spirit progress toward the exaltation of one's spirit by God. By contrast, Cain's vile act was the result of spirit neglect, which left unchecked led to the premeditated murder of his brother.

If, by degrees, one is exalted by God, what is to be resented? But if through jealousy and selfish ambition we seek advancement at the expense of others, we rob no one but ourselves. Why subject ourselves to the work of demons by harbouring bitter jealousy and selfish ambition? (James 3:14-16 NEB). Much rather: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time". (1 Peter 5:6).

JEALOUS: Resentful towards another on account of known or suspected rivalry;
                    envious (of person, his advantages, etc).
INVIDIA: (Latin). Ill will, envy, resentment, hatred, jealousy of.
ENVY:        Grudging contemplation (of more fortunate persons, of their advantages).
                                                                                                  (Oxford Dictionary).

13/2/86.