People who have been given a new life in Jesus and are filled with the Spirit seem especially tempted to spiritual jealousy. They're jealous of Eldad and Medad prophesying (Nm 11:29), of Moses leading (Nm 12:1), of a stranger expelling demons (Mk 9:38), or of John and James trying to get a "spiritual" promotion (Mt 20:24).
The Lord does not tolerate spiritual jealousy. Miriam became a snow-white leper after her outbreak of jealousy against Moses (Nm 12:10). Jesus said that being drowned or maimed is preferable to falling into the sin of spiritual jealousy (Mk 9:42-47). The first murder was committed because of spiritual jealousy. Cain was jealous that Abel's offering was accepted by God and his own wasn't (Gn 4:4-5). Jesus was crucified because of the jealousy of the religious leaders (Mt 27:18). The Jews of Antioch in Pisidia persecuted Paul and Barnabas because of jealousy (Acts 13:45).
Some of history's worst sins can be attributed to spiritual jealousy. Resist any temptations to jealousy, and repent of any sins of jealousy.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I rejoice that others are more gifted and more honored than I am. |
| PROMISE: | "Any man who gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ will not, I assure you, go without his reward." –Mk 9:41 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, Jesus, the risen Lord! You are "merciful and gracious...slow to anger and abounding in kindness" (Ps 103:8). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College