I think as a whole, people tend to have a jealous nature. The degree of that jealousy can be harmful if one allows it to overtake their thoughts and actions. It can not only be toxic to others, but also to yourself. We first encounter an example of this in the story of Cain and Abel in the first chapter of the Bible. Cain jealous of his brother Abel because his gift of a lamb was received by the Lord and Cain’s gift of fruit from the earth was rejected. Cain grew very angry and was jealous of this and as a result killed Abel in a fit of anger. He tried to hide this from God, but of course God knew. Ultimately, Cain paid the price by being banished from the earth, his crops would no longer produce, and he would be a vagabond for the rest of his days. Both brothers lost as a result of Cain’s jealousy, one with his life and the other with exile.

When I was still teaching, in a  middle school, I often read the Middle School Journal which was a publication geared for teachers of that age level. I also taught several college classes geared for this age of student as well and I was able to learn and use information from this journal as well as my own classroom experiences to instruct my students. One of the articles I came across during this time was written by an educator who had been honored with the title of National Middle School Teacher of the Year and was often a contributor to the publication.

This article focused on his experiences after he had been given this honor. It served as a cautionary tale of what had happened to him as a result of receiving this accolade. He wrote of how his co-workers had written him letters, memos and notes, most of which appeared anonymously in his mailbox at school. They were filled with hateful comments about the honor he had been given. Some told him he was undeserving, had brown-nosed his way into this position and was a self-promoting egotist.  As it happened, he had been nominated by his administrator at the behest of many students and their parents. Instead of sharing in what should have been a joyous time for this man and those he worked with, it turned into a hurtful, demeaning experience because of his co-workers’ jealousy. It certainly did not hurt them, but it was very injurious to his feelings.

The last Commandment instructs us to not covet what others have. As we know, many who covet what others have are jealous of them. We are all human and feel jealousy at times, but how does purposely wounding someone else because of our own envy serve us? Does it make us feel superior or somehow better about ourselves? If that is true, how sad. Why can’t we celebrate and acknowledge others’ joys? What does it cost us to be happy for other people and share their joy with them?

In Luke 6:31 we find these words. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Let’s learn from God’s example of unconditional love for us to show others love, do not covet what they have and share their joy with them as you would wish them to share yours. Thanks be to God.

Patty