Thankful Instead of Jealous

Hey carpool crew. If you've ever said, I wish I had that, I want that, why do they get that and I don't, you might have a little bit of jealousy. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. That's what we're talking about today. Because we just need to be honest. Jealousy is one of those feelings that can sneak in on all of us. It can happen to parents. It happens to me sometimes, Pastor Justin, and it happens to you. I know it does. Maybe your friend got picked for the part you wanted in the play. Maybe someone else got a new bike or a new phone before you did, or maybe your brother or sister got praised for something and you thought, hey, what about me? Well, yeah, we've all been there. It's normal to feel jealous, but we don't have to stay jealous. Today we're talking about how to be thankful instead of jealous, and how Jesus helps us do that. In Romans chapter 12 verse 15, it says, rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. The apostle Paul is writing this in the book of Romans. He wrote those words to help the early church learn how to live together in love, in harmony, in unity. The church back then was made up of all kinds of people, rich people, poor people, young people, old people, and jealousy could easily sneak in. Paul reminds them, and us, by the way, that love means celebrating each other's blessing, not competing for them. When someone else has something good happen, we don't lose anything by being happy for them. In fact, that's how we show we have thankful hearts, by choosing joy for others, not comparison. If Jesus were riding in the car with you today or sitting at the breakfast table and you said, Jesus, it's not fair. Why did they get that and not me? I think he'd gently smile and say, you don't have to compare what I've given you with what I've given someone else. I have blessings picked out for you too. Different ones, just as special. Be thankful where you are. Be thankful for what you have and celebrate with others when good things happen to them. He might even add, when you cheer someone on, you are showing the kind of love, the kind of thankfulness that makes Heaven happy. Let's just say your best friend got a new puppy. You've wanted a puppy forever. I know my kids want a puppy really bad, but it's not your family's time to get one yet. You could be jealous, or you could choose thankfulness. You could say, that's awesome. I'm so happy for you. You must love that puppy. And really mean it. You can play with their puppy, help them name it, you can thank God for the joy it brings your friend. That's what it looks like to live out Romans 12 verse 15, to rejoice with those who rejoice. Remember friends, jealousy says, what about me? But thankfulness says, thank you, God, for them and for me. You don't lose anything by celebrating someone else. In fact, you gain peace, joy, and a heart that looks a little more like Jesus. So today when something good happens to someone around you, don't let jealousy win. Let thankfulness lead the way. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love today's episode, consider going over to Spotify or Apple and leave us a rating and review. It helps other families find the podcast. Before you go, answer this question together. When's a time that you felt jealous but could have chosen thankfulness instead? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.