Bottle Cap Jealousy

READ: ROMANS 2:11; 5:8; JAMES 3:13-18

At age eight, I collected bottle caps with no idea of what I’d do with them. I kept those colorful items in our backyard where my brother, who I’ll call “Randall,” and I played. After a while, I forgot about them. Then one day, I joined Randall and our mom in the kitchen and spotted something on the table. It was a small wooden board with lots of colorful bottle caps nailed onto it in a clever arrangement. “Randall made that for me,” Mama explained. I questioned Randall about the caps and realized he’d used the ones I’d saved. I indignantly announced that Randall had taken what was mine. I acted injured and innocent even after Randall apologized and promised he didn’t know I was holding onto them.

But the truth was, I wasn’t so disappointed that Randall had used the bottle caps. I was, however, so jealous of his interesting idea and the way he’d made a present for Mama. I didn’t want the bottle caps back—I wanted to be the kid who produced something that, to me, looked like artwork. Because of my jealousy, I didn’t want to accept Randall’s apology or play with him. I didn’t want to think of another present I could create for Mama. I just wanted to stay mad.

Jesus understands human emotions and temptations, including jealousy. While there is such a thing as godly jealousy (2 Corinthians 11:1-4), God’s Word cautions us about sinful jealousy, which steals our peace and brings disorder. It keeps us from experiencing God’s best—in our own hearts, in relationship with others, and in our fellowship with Him. My envy of Randall caused me to overlook the truth that Mama loved me just as much as my brother, even though I hadn’t presented her with a gift. It’s the same with God—He does not show favoritism, and He does not love us any more, or any less, based on what we do. Even when we fall into jealousy, He still loves us. And, once we’ve put our trust in Jesus for forgiveness and new life, He helps us turn away from jealousy and rest in His love. • Allison Wilson Lee

• What is an area of your life where you feel insecure? Do you find yourself getting jealous of people who seem to succeed in something you struggle with? Consider taking some time to be honest with God about your feelings. You can bring Him your hurts and fears, confess any sins that come to mind, and rest in His sure forgiveness and infinite love.

• If you want to dig deeper, read Exodus 34:14; Romans 13:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 12:12-27; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:19-26.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)