ENVY AND JEALOUSY
GENESIS 4:1-5, 25; PSALM 50; MARK 8:11-13
Adam and Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel. The former tilled the land while the latter was a shepherd. Cain brought fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord while Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. The Lord was pleased with Abel’s but showed no regard towards Cain’s offering. For this reason, Cain killed his brother Abel.
In Cain we see a man full of envy and jealousy. Prov. 14:30 says “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Beloved, if we don’t guide against envy and jealousy we shall come under the wrath and judgment of God like Cain. Envy is the painful feeling of wanting what someone else has, like attributes or possessions. If you’re jealous, you feel threatened, protective, or fearful of losing your position or situation to someone else. Cain’s life was reflects both vices. We must not allow envy and jealousy to rule our actions.
Lastly, true Christians don’t search for signs. We must not wait for a sign before we believe God’s truth. If we do; then we have no faith. The question of Jesus in the Gospel is relevant today. “Why does this generation ask for a sign? “
LET US PRAY
Father, we ask for pardon and grace to overcome anger, arrogance, bitterness, brutality, cruelty, deception, envy, fear, hatred, jealousy, pride, resentment, or terror. Fill us with the Spirit of love, patience, kindness and joy. Amen.
