The Journey Church
Discussion & Reflection from our current series
RECAP
When we think about the enemy of jealousy or envy we immediately think of the things that others have that we lack…we can become jealous of their looks, shape of their body, friends, opportunities, achievements, position, job, health, height, money, other families & kids, etc.
We can assume the problem is with the person who possesses what we lack. Like they are the lucky one, or we blame them, or they work the system or take advantage of others. But the reality is, if we are trying to follow God or if you believe in God…that we are really just jealous that God didn’t give the same or more to us. We can tend to think that GOD OWES ME! But the remedy for jealousy is to celebrate. Celebrate what God has given others and also to celebrate what God has given us.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
1. Who were you sometimes jealous of when you were a kid?
2. How can envy or jealousy sneak in to our lives now that we are older?
3. What do you think it means that we can sometimes believe that “God Owes Me”?
4. Read James 4:1-3. (a) What causes us to be jealous? (b) From these verses, what does God want us to do? (c) How could our motives be wrong when we ask God?
5. How can celebrating other people, their success, and their accomplishments be a way we can love people? How can celebrating be a remedy for jealousy?
6. Read James 1:17. What are some things, purposes, relationships, and talents that God has given you that you can celebrate? How can it help you to focus on that rather than on what others have that you lack?
James 4:1-3 NIV
James 1:17 NIV
PRAYER:
God, at times I get frustrated and disappointed with what I don’t get… I look at what others have and I want what they have. In my heart I envy and am jealous. And frankly God, sometimes I feel like you owe! And I want this fixed. Help me to be content with what I have. Help me not to compare my life to others. Thank you for what you have given me. Take a moment to thank him for what you have that others may not have.
Thank you that you give me a purpose and you are the one that gives me what I need. Help me to really believe that more, and trust you more. Amen.