So, we’ve all been there.
Jealous.
It drives division. It robs us of our spiritual wholeness. If we aren’t careful it will inhibit us from being who we are called to be.
It isn’t a pretty emotion. In fact, one that scripture addresses clearly.
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
James 3:16 (NIV)
Or . . .
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious:… jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions… I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:29-21
I can be jealous. I work hard at “not” being – but sometimes, it just gets the best of me.
Most of the time, it rears it’s ugly head professionally.
And it’s the kind of jealousy that sits in your chest like a stone.
Someone gets the opportunity I’ve been working toward.
Someone’s life dynamic looks like the one I prayed for.
Someone steps into a something I thought I was made for.
And instead of celebrating them, I’m smiling on the outside and pouting on the inside, “Why not me?”
We’re taught that jealousy is ugly.
That it means we’re petty, immature, or ungrateful.
And hear me, I’m not arguing that it is a good thing.
But – I do think Robbins has a point.
What if jealousy isn’t a moral failure?
What if it’s a clue?
“Jealousy is directional,” Mel writes.
“It points to something you deeply want but haven’t allowed yourself to pursue.”
What if jealousy isn’t telling you that you’re a bad person…
But that you’re a person with unmet longings?
What if it’s a flashlight—illuminating buried dreams?
Instead of stuffing jealousy down or pretending we’re above it, what if we paused and got curious?
What if we said:
“What does this feeling want me to notice?”
“Is there something in their life that reflects what I truly desire in mine?”
“Is this a calling I’ve ignored?”
In Luke 15, the older brother watches the prodigal get the robe, the ring, the feast.
He’s furious.
But under all that anger is a deeper pain: He wanted to be celebrated, too.
We all do.
That’s not sin.
That’s soul.
That’s human.
So what if we tolerated our jealousy instead of banishing it?
What if we let it point us back to the life God is gently calling us toward?
Then let God transform it?
What’s something that triggers jealousy in you?
Instead of shaming it, what is that jealousy trying to teach you?
How can you take one small step toward that longing today?
Today, don’t ignore what your heart is saying.
Guard it by being honest with it.
By noticing what flows out—and asking God what to do with what you find.
Grace and Peace,
Andrea