Jealousy, Envy . . . and Forgiveness

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” James 3:16 (NKJV) Although usually spoken of in a negative sense, “jealousy” can be a positive when it is the desire to keep one’s belongings and relationships to oneself. In the 10 Commandments, God describes Himself as a “jealous God.” Envy, however, craves what someone else has: talents, achievements, possessions, relationships, good looks, and more. Envy can lead to unhappiness, resentment, and outright hatred of the other person. With Joan, it’s her “friend” Greta’s intelligence, good looks, and outgoing personality. But the last straw is Greta winning the school’s annual Science Experiment Trophy. During lunch the focus is on Greta’s trophy. Their local newspaper’s photographer will be there shortly. “Excuse me, guys, I need to use the restroom,” Joan says. She grabs her oversized purse — but heads to the science room trophy display, stuffs Greta’s trophy into her purse, and returns to the lunch table. The photographer arrives. There’s near panic when the trophy is nowhere to be found! Joan pretends to join in the search, too, but trips over a table leg, bruising her head. Always helpful, Greta hurries over. “I’ll look in your purse for a tissue,” she says. She unsnaps Joan’s purse, pauses when she sees the trophy, says nothing, and hands Joan a tissue. To the others she says, “Uh, maybe someone took the trophy to the library?” The others hurry out. When Greta sees Joan’s embarrassment and downcast eyes, she places her trophy back in its place. When the others return, Greta smiles and says, “We found it.” “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends” Proverbs 17:9 (NKJV). Our Father in heaven, You created each of us with gifts and talents. Yet, even as we are injured by envy, grant us hearts to forgive just as You forgive us. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen. — Kiki BelMonte-Schaller   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org