Jealousy

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LESSON 10

*February 26 - March 4

Jealousy

SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read for This Week's Study: Isa. 14:12–14; James 3:16, 17; Exod. 20:17; Genesis 37; 1 Samuel 18; Matt. 12:14.
Memory Text:

“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?”(Proverbs 27:4, NIV).

One of the most devastating emotions is jealousy. It is the oldest type of sin (Isa. 14:14) and can hurt not only interpersonal relationships (2 Cor. 12:20) but our physical health, as well (Prov. 14:30). Jealousy tends to be personal; it targets an individual who is perceived as a rival and a threat. As a result, jealousy often causes violence, either psychological (verbal abuse, backbiting, criticism) or physical. Who hasn’t, at some point, felt the misery that this emotion brings? This lesson provides instances of individuals who allowed jealousy to impact their behavior: Satan, Joseph's brothers, King Saul, and the chief priests of New Testament times. The result always was disastrous. How fascinating, too, that all of these jealous individuals enjoyed high status and privileges to begin with. Yet, all fell into the trap of hating someone else for what they were or what they had. The Lord warns us away from such an erroneous path and urges His children to love their neighbors to the point of rejoicing with them in their gifts, achievements, and possessions as if they were our own.

*Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 5.