The Root Of Jealousy

Introduction

Joseph Addison says, “Jealousy is that pain which a man feels from the apprehension that he is not equally beloved by the person whom he entirely loves.” From the very begging of time jealousy has been a common factor on addressing one’s greatest fears. In fact, we must be conscious of the fact that jealousy is more evident than not. Furthermore, our awareness can be more beneficial than the cause of it. There are 3 observations we want to discover etymology, characteristic, and the application.

Etymology

The word jealousy is a word that derives from a combination of words. The English word for jealousy is to describe as a person that is resentful, envious, or covetousness. The Greek meaning “jealousy” fthon-os; is prompted by envy. The Latin word for” jealousy; translate as the green eyed monster; meaning a feeling of jealous or envy especially of a rival. In Othello, 1604, Shakespeare also alludes to cats as green-eyed monsters in the way that they play with mice before killing them.

General Characteristic

Often time jealousy is a product of disobedience for example, Cain’s motives for killing Abel was simply being envious concerning God’s favor towards Abel. Abel brought the best flock for a sacrifice to God and Cain brought mediocre crops for sacrifice. As a results God only accepted Abel’s sacrifice. Jealousy manifests itself when one feels as though you’re in competition with someone else over something that you value. In Luke Chapter 15, v. 31, 32 jealousies are evident because the elder son resented the fact that his father would welcome his brother home in such a festive fashion. Therefore, envy towards others is often a result of feeling rejected or betrayed which causes jealousy. The resentfulness of the father’s yielding to the whim of his young brother to go his own way, taking his share of the family’s substance and abandoning all feeling of responsibility to their father or the family or the inheritance. After squandering his share of the family property in riotous living, now the spend thrift had come back penniless, and their father and the family were actually celebrating his return! In the face of such powerful resentment and recrimination the unhappy father attempts to explain to his elder son that they are always together and the son is owner of all that the father has. ‘But’, he protests, ‘we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found’

Application

Learning how to deal with jealous often indicates that your real source of anger isn’t at the person you’re jealous of. Instead, many realize that their underlying problems are with themselves. “Your greatest enemy is yourself” is an ancient Chinese piece of wisdom. You worst enemy on the path out of many obstacles you will encounter the biggest one by far is the wall holding you back is the one you built yourself. A way to control jealousy is to remember to boost your confidence. One of the greatest causes of jealousy, after all, is insecurity. Living with this knowledge can put an enormous damper on your own confidence – you are insecure, miserable, and fearful that you will never receive the credit that you deserve. Therefore, exemplify love 1 Peter 4: 8 say, above all love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sin. Secondly, vent your emotions is a safe efficient way of overcoming these emotions. 1 Peter 5:7 says cast all your cares upon Him; for he cares for you. It is a happy way of soothing sorrow when we can feel the unconditional love from our Father. Finally, examine your emotions. Often times, underlying fears, frustrations, and depression play a significant role in the intensity of envy. Patience is imperative in overcoming jealousy. Habakkuk 2:3 says, for the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the fulfillment, it will not deceived or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait earnestly for it because it will surely come; it will not be behind on its appointed day.

Conclusion

Real irrational thoughts often complex one’s mind, as we attempt to live our lives according to the word of God. We often struggle with many facts of jealousy. Therefore, we must be carefully monitor and remain prayerful even at the slight bit of jealousy. Furthermore, when one is lost in others it has a way of shaping and defining our lives.