“Drop your gun!”

Fortunately, I have only heard this sentence uttered on tv shows. A criminal is wielding a gun,

and the situation is dangerous.

Similarly, God says, “Put away jealousy!” in 1 Peter 2:1.

The ESV puts it this way, So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and

all slander while the TLB states, So get rid of your feelings of hatred. Don’t just pretend to

be good! Be done with dishonesty and jealousy and talking about others behind their

backs.

You see, jealousy is dangerous.

If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false

to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly,

unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder

and every vile practice. (James 3:14-16 ESV)

Think about it: jealousy and selfish ambition truly lead not only to disorder but every vile

practice! Jealousy is a deadly sin, and we don’t recognize it.

Fortunately, God has an answer for jealousy:

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of

mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in

peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17-18 ESV)

Today, examine the jealousy that exists in your heart. Seek God’s wisdom and sow

righteousness and peace.



By LaRaine Rice