May the Lord bless you with grace, and peace in the Holy Spirit.
It is 20th January 2022. We reflect on 1 Sam 6-9; 19:1-7 and Mark 3:7-12.
A Harvard psychologist and author of a book, “Rationality,” Steven Pinker describe in his book: “Progress consists of more than gains in our safety and material well-being. It consists of gains in how we treat each other.” –
Sparkling streets of life turns murky and messy by the humps of jealousy.
A forceful display of hatred towards the success of others is jealousy.
Fear of abandonment is the key to jealousy. Jealousy is a complex emotion. It is so pervasive, personal, permeating of all gender, colour, kind, category of people. Suspicion is the mother and insecurity are the stepmothers of jealousy; anger, fear, humiliation, and rejection are her children. Jealousy targets the arrows of hatred on others eventually hurting themselves.
We have a story of victors namely Saul and David. Women of the town welcome David singing and praising more than Saul that cast the eyes of jealousy on David.
“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousand.”
Every victory has a victim; friendship has a foe; recognition has resentment; success has suffering, the destination has a distraction, and finally every life has a loss.
Jesus is acclaimed as the Son of God by those who listened and witnessed His numerous healings and preaching. They were jealous of the popularity of Jesus that ignited hatred towards Jesus. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:16)
How do we feel when we see others doing well in their life?
God assured David through the friendship of Jonathan. Even if we are encircled by the heat of jealousy, the warmth of God will never diminish. As Jonathan who delighted in the victory of David, and the people who admired the Son of God, let us celebrate the victories of others without becoming victims of jealousy.
We all need to work on the spirit of jealousy that ruins the warmth of the love of God in us. “For love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave.” (Song of Sol.8:6). May God help us deal with the spirit of jealousy in our life. God bless you.