27 Oct Blessing for You, Bitterness for Them
James 3:14 – But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
Has there ever been someone in your life that it seems just didn’t like you and you can’t figure out why? You are kind to them and do your best to include them, even if they try to exclude or ignore you. Oftentimes, it’s something that James calls “bitter jealousy” in 3:14.
They may be jealous of what God has done in your life that hasn’t happened in their life – maybe you got engaged and they’re still single, maybe you got a new job and they’re in a job they hate, maybe you lost 20 pounds and they found 20 pounds. A blessing for you triggers bitterness for them.
Take heart that, many times, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. Jealousy is a root that needs to be dug up, otherwise it will continue to grow, infect, and affect every part of a person’s life. You can’t change their behavior, but you can inspect your own heart and see to it that jealousy doesn’t infect your life.
Ask God to help you not be jealous towards others and be content with where God has you.
To get daily devos sent texted to you Monday-Friday, text DEVOTIONS to 99383. Click here to find the study guide and sermon series that accompanies this devotional series.
