Jealously is an adverb used to describe the feeling or emotions of a person who is fearful or apprehensive of losing their own recognition or stature. They may become resentful or bitter - most likely envious of another. A person may become jealous and act jealously towards another person upon learning that the one has received a promotion and increase in salary which rivals or diminishes the perceived importance and value of the first individual. Rather than congratulate and compliment that individual on their good fortune or reward for hard work and a job well done - the jealous one sits and mopes - resenting that they did not receive the same recognition and financial reward - even when the two individuals have completely different work skills and occupations! Some people just hate to see others succeed - even when they both are actually on the same level. Often it is more a matter of trying to stay one step ahead of others in an effort to be seen as the "better man or woman". In other cases it may be the matter of one who does not attempt to succeed - acting poorly towards others who have invested the time and energy to accomplish the goal at hand. Jealously is never attractive no matter how justified it may appear. In some cases the differences between the two is as transparent as a sheet of glass.
When Jesus began preaching in the Temple the leaders became jealous of Him because of His popularity and the way He delivered His words. He was able to touch minds and hearts in a way that they were unable to accomplish. Because He was honest and open - they resented Him. They acted jealously in their thoughts and actions - not trying to learn or understand - but making rash decisions and statements because they feared their own stature. When a person begins to grow closer to Jesus - to God - others may act jealously - thinking that God favors the one. The truth is that God has no favorites - He loves everyone the exact same way - how we react to that love may be different - but hopefully never jealously.
Deacon Dale
Deacon Dale
