I didn’t
even need to think about my answer. “Of course. I feel like, ‘What is wrong
with me, that it took me ten years to birth one baby, and they are cranking out
three books a year while homescooling five kids and training penguins to juggle
for their church’s fall extravaganza.?’”
Her sigh of
relief was thick. It does feel good to know we’re not alone.
But what if
we find ourselves on the other side of the latte from someone whose soul
seethes with jealousy because of our success? And what if that someone is a
dear friend or family member? How do we overcome the hurt, confusion and
feelings of betrayal when another is jealous of us?
1.
Pray for them.
We know from our
own anguish during jealous times how awful it feels to covet someone else’s
success. Just as praying for those we are jealous of softens our hearts toward them, If we pray for the person who’s jealous of us, it opens doors of
blessing for them and shuts doors of resentment in our hearts.
2. Brag on them
Insecurity and
lack of trust for their future success can trigger jealousy. If we affirm the
person who is jealous of us, it will help them relax and trust the Lord that He
has good plans for all His kids, not only a select group.
3. Help them
Are
there ways we can aid fellow travelers in their own journey? Introduce them to
someone who can help them, loan them a book, or share a trade secret. It will
diffuse their jealousy, and make the devil mad he ever messed with us.
And if there’s anything I love, it’s upsetting Satan.
Have you experienced someone being jealous of you? How did
that make you feel? What did you do? Any suggestions for diffusing jealousy
that I missed?
