Meant for GoodSample

THE FRUIT OF JEALOUSY

Read: Genesis 37:12-36

Discover

Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers at Shechem. The sons of Jacob conspire to murder their brother, but instead choose to sell him into slavery.

Learn

As the sons of Jacob see Joseph approach on the horizon, they sarcastically declare, “Look, the lord of dreams is coming!” (Genesis 37:19). Immediately they recognize the tunic of many colors, for them a symbol of Joseph’s prideful arrogance. Their simmering jealousy begins to boil into rage, culminating with a plot to kill Joseph. The family called to be a blessing to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:3) is ready to murder their own brother. While the half-hearted compassion of Reuben saves Joseph’s life, Judah’s greed drives the brothers to sell him into slavery instead. As the brothers plant seeds of jealousy and hatred in their own hearts, they end up reaping a harvest of bitterness, resentment, and eventually hatred.

Apply

This story displays a pattern with which we are all too familiar. Jealousy begins as a flickering spark that eventually grows into a consuming fire, inhibiting faithfulness and destroying relationships. The smoke of discontentment and hatred eventually chokes our trust in God and our love for others. Truly, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6). Where has jealousy been planted in your life? Maybe a neighbor’s new car, a coworker’s promotion, or the seeming perfection of a friend’s marriage makes you resentful towards them. Jealousy may have even driven you to lose trust in God’s faithfulness.

How do we combat the damaging blaze of jealousy? We cultivate gratitude. Take time today to write down every blessing in your life, big or small. Rehearse God’s faithfulness towards you: remember how He saved you from the domain of sin and death and delivered you into the kingdom of Christ; remember how He patiently walked with you in your sinfulness, grumbling, and discontentment; remember how His loyal love towards you supplies every one of your needs. The consuming fire of jealousy can only be doused by a flood of thanksgiving, so let the rivers of gratitude roll over your heart today.