Why Do We Fall Into Envy and Jealousy So Easily?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Why do we fall into envy and jealousy so easily?

Envy or jealousy: that green-eyed monster that can plague us to the point of stress and depression if we allow the talons to grip our thoughts.

Why do we fall into envy or jealousy so easily?

Is there a difference in these two words?

According to the following sources, we can see alternative opinions regarding envy and jealousy.[i]

Envy means discontented longing for someone else’s advantages. Jealousy means unpleasant suspicion, or apprehension of rivalship.
—Theodore M. Bernstein, The Careful Writer, 1965

There are three different ways in which jealous can be used. The most common is ... where the meaning is “fearful of losing attention.” Another broad sense is “possessive” or “protective” ... third usage is in the sense of “envious,” as of another person because of his or her belongings, abilities, or achievements.
—William and Mary Morris, Harper Dictionary of Contemporary Usage (2nd ed.), 1985

Jealousy is properly restricted to contexts involving emotional rivalry; envy is used more broadly of resentful contemplation of a more fortunate person.
—Bryan A. Garner, Garner’s Modern American Usage (3rd ed.), 2009

No matter which word we ascribe to our feelings, the emotion damages us.

Why do we fall into envy and jealousy so easily?

Because of the fallen human nature. Even though our spiritual nature changed at salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17), we still have unrenewed minds. This is the battlefield of temptation. This is why we need to apply Romans 12:1: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)

When we do let destructive thoughts control our actions, we can’t have progress in our souls. These can damage relationships with others and paralyze our relationship with God. Not because He leaves, but because our emotions block us from hearing Him.

Jealousy got Lucifer kicked out of heaven. The iniquity found in him transformed this angel into satan. Ever since this spiritual tragedy, he has tempted mankind with this emotion. We see how early this started through the examples of Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Hannah and Peninnah, Saul and David, and even Jesus’ disciples.

Jealousy makes us feel as if we aren’t as good as someone else, or that we are being left out. Like there are not enough blessings to go around if another person has something we don’t have.

God tells us in other Scriptures to avoid allowing envious thoughts to dominate our lives such as Proverbs 14:30, Philippians 2:3, and James 3:14-16.

How can we obey these verses when our feelings flutter out of control?

The remedy for conquering envy and jealousy is to know who we are in Christ. We don’t need to look to other people for validation. We have each been given gifts, talents, and assignments that are unique to us. We can’t accomplish these goals if our eyes are on other people and not on Christ.

Meditation on the Word of God is the prescription to heal a jealous mind. There are too many verses in the Bible to list here that show us how to focus on the Lord instead of our thoughts, but here are 3 ways we can do this.

Increase in the knowledge of Christ. Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. (Colossians 1:11)

Practice gratitude. Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (Colossians 1:12)

Dwell on what Christ has done for you. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

The more we increase in the knowledge of Christ, the more stable our emotional foundation will be. We will have our eyes opened to the inheritance we have, and we can resist harmful thoughts when we are attacked by comparison. Read the entire book of Ephesians to gain more insight into your identity in Christ. 

We will fall into envy and jealousy by default if our eyes are on ourselves or someone else’s possessions or accomplishments. Looking to Jesus and Him only will melt the hardness of bitter feelings and replace them with the soothing honey of His love.

What other Scriptures can you share that will heal us of jealousy and envy? Join the conversation.

 How can we conquer the green-eyed monster of envy and jealousy? (click to share on X)

 [i] https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/jealous-vs-envious

Image by qianwen deng from Pixabay