Jealousy is a part of human nature, but it should not dictate our lives. I can admire something positive about someone else without becoming obsessed by their possessions or life. What happens when jealousy goes too far? Imagine being the object of the jealousy.

I heard it time, and time again that jealousy was a factor. I laughed at the very thought of someone being jealous of me. How could someone be jealous of Katrina, she’s just doing her thing. I was me.

Jealously in the midst of anything leads to destruction. Just what Satan wants, right? Imagine jealousy in a relationship. Instead of being a united force, one partner begins to develop an unhealthy admiration for the other person’s possessions. The targeted partner then begins to develop negative feelings towards their own belongings. That individual no longer wants to embrace these gifts, blessings or traits. The emotion becomes crippling causing all parties to hurt.

Now imagine the impact of jealousy on a larger scale such as a church. Paul tells the church at Corinth:

Jealousy results in bickering. The fighting results in crippling the gospel message. The fighting also leads to division of the opposing parties. We become to busy fighting that we lose focus. Following the fight, division occurs. Division is okay when circumstances are not healthy. When the time is right, we need to embrace the opportunity to divide and separate from this tough situations.

I do believe jealous was a factor in me being abused. So where is the hope of being a victim of jealous rage? It must mean that I am doing something right. It tells me that I am being watched. It also encourages me to live a positive life.  Understanding that jealousy exists doesn’t make it easier, but it allows me to be specific in my prayers. It also teaches me to be mindful of my feelings and how I treat others. I don’t want jealousy to affect my relationships.