Your friend is kind, funny, beautiful, smart and accomplished, with a loving family and a fantastic job. She’s living a truly abundant life.
And while you enjoy spending time with her, you’ve stopped sharing your good news with her anymore because you’ve noticed that while she appears happy for you, some of her comments reveal her true feelings of jealousy and envy.
It’s just a matter of time before the friendships fades.
Your friend has just paid the high cost of jealousy.
Jealousy robs of us joy, kills friendships and keeps us in a constant state of discontentment wasting energy we could’ve invested in creating our own fabulous lives.
James said “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder. . .” (3:16)
The jealous woman’s life is one of drama, chaos and disorder that alienates others with friends moving in and out of her life at a rapid rate, rarely lingering.
Jealousy negatively impacts our minds and our health because “envy makes the bones rot.” (Prov. 14:30)
Paul includes jealousy as one of the “works of the flesh” that comes with consequences (Gal 5:19-21) and reminds us that “Love does not envy” (1 Cor 13)
Jealousy kept me bound for many years, fueled by a multitude of insecurities I had to own and address if I was going to grow spiritually and emotionally.
When God freed me from jealousy’s chokehold, I was then able to cultivate healthy relationships.
When envy is no longer present, we can celebrate when our family and friends succeed.
Jealousy steals our energy and joy leaving us physically, spiritually and emotionally lethargic with a victim mentality. It keeps us preoccupied unable to focus on pursuing our desires.
If you suffer from jealousy, God stands ready to set you free. There’s immense freedom that comes when you no longer carry the weight of envy within you.
If you have a jealous friend, consider addressing the issue with her in the hopes the friendship can be saved.
Now, when my friends win I celebrate.
When others win I thank God and am happy for them because I know now their win doesn’t rob me of the chance to win as well. Their achievement doesn’t steal an opportunity from me to achieve.
My friends’ good fortune inspires me and I no longer pay the high cost of jealousy.
Sandra Hubbard
#notjealous #celebrate #inspirational #keynote #thechiccreative
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