Envy-Jealous
ENVY/JEALOUS
Envy or jealousy may be recognized by the counselee=s gossiping, backbiting, snide remarks, and efforts to build up himself by degrading others. It is one of the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:21) and is a product of the natural sin of self-consciousness (pride).
Biblical Statement
Envy is a sin. Sin, when full-blown, produces destruction, tragedy, death
Gal. 5:19-21 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.(NIV)
James 1:14-15 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death. (NIV)
As such, the envious person may soon find himself with undesirable, destructive emotions. A judgmental attitude comes, and hate may follow. Thus it turns into spiritual murder, character assassination, etc. Those of who one may be envious are not worthy of such regard, nor emulation
Proverbs 3:31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways. (NIV)
Proverbs 24:1 Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; (NIV)
Scripture
Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 3:3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? (NIV)
Galatians 5:19-21 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NIV)
James 3:14-16 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (NIV)
Counsel
Minister salvation and baptism. If the person cannot be lead to repentance, minister deliverance.
Emphasize a need to have the mind renewed by God=s Word rather than be conformed to the world where envy abounds. God has something better for each individual than could possibly be matched by theat over which one is envious. He is a King=s Kid!
Lead the person to worship God in praise - to change his attentions to God rather than his own lack, which leads to envy.
Affirm with him that Alove is now prevailing and jealousy/envy is dead@
1 Corinthians 13:4 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (NIV)
that Ahonesty and not strife and envy is allowing him to walk in God=s love and light@
Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. (NIV)
and that from this moment, he Awill seek to walk in the Spirit where there is no provoking of one another and no envy.@
Galatians 5:25-26 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (NIV)
Point out how he can be glad when others are blessed or exalted. It pleases God and wins a friend.
Romans 12:14-16 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (NIV)
In due time, each of us will reap our blessings, if we don=t faint and become weary in well-doing.
Prayer
Lead the person to pray for forgiveness and a filling with the Holy Spirit.
Ask God to give him a vision of His glory and regard for himself as a King=s Kid, once he is born again.
Pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be produced in him
Galatians 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
References
List God=s alternative behavior and begin practicing it.
Psa. 37:1-9 Workers of iniquity to be brought low, rest in God enjoined.
Phil. 4:4-9 Instructions in overcoming and growth
1 Cor. 4:4-9 Let love prevail
Rom. 13:13 Pursue honesty