1 Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. 2 You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. 3 And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way. 4You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. 5 And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." 6 And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble." 7 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. 8 Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. 9 Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. 10 Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet. 11 Don't bad-mouth each other, friends. It's God's Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You're supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. 12 God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others? - James 4:1-12 (MSG)
In Part One of our study on "Forgiveness" we looked at one aspect of our human nature that frequently cause strife, division and offense among the members of the body of Christ: JEALOUSY or ENVY! Those emotions were the root cause of the very first murder in human history, In fact, it may very well be that these ungodly emotions, which are indicative of pride and rebellion against God, are what causes many, within the body of Christ, to slander, belittle, or otherwise offend one another.James 4:1-12 speak to the impurities in our inner life that hinder us in our relationships with other believers and with our God.
Could it be that we are so busy comparing ourselves (our spirituality) with our brothers and sisters in the Lord that we begin to covet what the Lord has blessed them to have? And, if we covet what someone else has, because we want what they have, aren't we enemies of God? The word "enemy" may seem to be a bit too strong for some who read this message. But, whenever we are not content with what the Lord has given us, and feel entitled to something that someone else has been blessed with, we're in effect telling the Lord that we are not in agreement with His will for us.
Jealousy and envy will consume us unless, and until, we bring those feelings to the cross of Christ, through confession, and forsake them (repent). It is only after we confess our true feelings to God, that He can begin to heal our hearts and enable us to love others, as He enables us, by His Spirit to do.
Personal Application: Have you sought the Father's forgiveness for any bitterness, envy or jealousy that you may harbor toward another brother or sister in the Lord? If not, will you do so today?
For an Inductive Study on the above Scripture reading, please visit the Bible Study for Busy People blog.
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