Jealousy vs Joy: What Jesus Says When You Want What Others Have

Hey, carpool crew, whether you're thinking about a friend's cool new shoes, or wondering why your siblings got a bigger piece of dessert last night. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. Today we're talking about a feeling that sneaks in quietly, but can do some real damage if we don't catch it early. Jealousy. You know what I'm talking about? That moment when someone else gets something you really wanted, or when someone else is better at something you wish you could do. Jealousy shows up and whispers, that's not fair. I want that, and guess what? God sees that feeling and he offers something way better in return. In the book of James chapter three verses 16 and 17, this is what it says, for where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder, but the wisdom from above is full of mercy and good fruits. The book of James was written by Jesus' own half brother James. He grew up with Jesus, but it wasn't until later that he believed Jesus was the son of God. Could you imagine growing up and your brother is Jesus? Wow. He wrote this letter to remind followers of Jesus that faith changes everything. He probably remembered when he became a Christian, when he started following Jesus and faith in Jesus changed everything for James, even how we can deal with jealousy. James saw how jealousy made people compete and compare. He wanted them and us, by the way, to know that God's wisdom helps us grow stronger hearts instead of sour ones. If Jesus were sitting right next to you when you felt that jealous twinge in your chest, I think he'd gently say something like, you don't need what they have. I've given you exactly what you need. You are fully loved already. Instead of comparing, let's grow something better in your heart, kindness, joy, and peace. Jesus never chased after fame or trophies or attention. He chose love and service and truth because those things last. So what can we do when we feel jealous? Here are a few steps to help your heart grow healthy. First name it. Say, God, I'm feeling jealous. That honesty opens the door for him to help you celebrate others. Go outta your way to say something like, I'm happy for you. Even when it's hard, you'll feel your heart grow. Thank God. Make a quick list of the things God has given you. Big or small, gratitude always squashes jealousy. You know who does this so well? My son. He is a BMX racer and he is one of the best in the state. He works so hard and he loves racing hard, and guess what? He doesn't always win. And when he does get beat, he is always one of the first guys to give knuckles to the people who did win and congratulate them. He wasn't always like that, but he's learned as he's gotten older and became more like Jesus in that way. I loved seeing it as a dad. That can be your story too. When jealousy tries to mess with your heart, he can gently remind you, you're already enough. You are already mine. I've got better things for you. You can make sure that jealousy doesn't ruin your heart. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And before you go answer this question together, what's one way you can practice choosing joy instead of jealousy this week? I'll see you next week on a whole new week of carpooling with Jesus.