TOPIC: “DANGERS of JEALOUSY
Scripture:
Acts 17:5-9 NIV
[5] But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. [6] But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, [7] and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” [8] When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. [9] Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.
Today’s scriptural passage talks about how the jealous expressions of some of the Jewish people led to their ganging up to create a riotous scene against Apostle Paul and Silas. They framed up lies that they were preaching against Caesar as king. When they could not find Paul and Silas, they attacked Brother Jason and some of the Believers and drove them from the city. Jealous behaviours could lead to the following:
1. The refusal to carefully study issues before acting;
2. The deliberate telling of lies and intentional manipulation of true situations;
3. The creation of unnecessary hostility, and
4. Emotional blindness that often deprives one of seeing what is good in the other person.
Jealousy is an emotional expression of inferiority complexes coupled with the fear of losing one’s position. Jealousy carries the intent to destroy the reputation of someone due to the fear of being overshadowed by the good works, glory or fame of such a person. Jealousy makes people plan deliberately on how to pull down other people who do not share their opinions. Jealousy is evil; pray against such spirits.
PRAYER : Dear LORD GOD Almighty, deliver me from the antics and evil plots of jealous people. I pray in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen!
