Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18
Did you ever encounter the green eyed monster of jealousy? If so, then you have experienced the destructive nature of this monster. When James says that it brings disorder and every evil thing, he is not exaggerating. When we are jealous it is because we are frustrated and angry that life is not going as we think it should for us. In our jealousy we may tear down other people who have succeeded where we have failed.
How do we battle jealousy? First, by examining what is happening and then by applying gentle wisdom. There can be no battle if we do not engage in battle but rather engage in peace. Be at peace with what you get, or do something to change your situation. If there is nothing you can do, then say – whatever.
This is not easy, but in the long run peace breeds peace in both us and those around us
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