Greetings, Everybody:
From a single's perspective, do you find yourself dealing with jealousy often? Maybe you are jealous of other people who seem to have what you want... or others express jealousy towards you because they tell you that you have it made as a single? (I work with a guy in his 70's who is constantly telling me I must be rolling in dough because I'm single with no kids; some of the other single parents also tell me I supposedly have it made because I could go out and party every night--but that's not what I'm into.)
I've found myself feeling extremely jealous at times of a co-worker in particular who was in a very bad situation several years ago but never wanted to talk about it. When I tried to ask her, she exploded and it made work very tense for several weeks... until she called me some time later in the middle of the night, asking me to come pick her up.
She started coming to my church, and I went to all the new member classes with her so she wouldn't feel alone... went to her baptism, etc., and would try to encourage her to keep going when she called in a panic over whether or not she should attend her counseling group. I love her dearly and am happy to see what God has helped her through.
But... about 3 years ago... God sent her a wonderful guy. He treats her like gold, and for most every holiday, anniversary, or even no special occasion... our office is bombarded with flowers for her, etc. They plan to marry in the spring. I tried very, very hard to always be happy and glad for her.
But one day, she told me, "Kim, last night I prayed that God would heal your jealous heart."
I was like, "WHOA, I must be really out of control for her to say something like that."
I know we are to be content with where we are and with what God gives us... but we're still human!! I pray regularly for help with this and feel the best thing God has done is allowed people to tell me about their lives--I get to see their struggles and know their situations aren't perfect... but sometimes I still feel very hurt and looked over (I've been alone this whole time.)
How about all of you? Does jealousy ever get the best of you... and how has God helped you deal with it?
From a single's perspective, do you find yourself dealing with jealousy often? Maybe you are jealous of other people who seem to have what you want... or others express jealousy towards you because they tell you that you have it made as a single? (I work with a guy in his 70's who is constantly telling me I must be rolling in dough because I'm single with no kids; some of the other single parents also tell me I supposedly have it made because I could go out and party every night--but that's not what I'm into.)
I've found myself feeling extremely jealous at times of a co-worker in particular who was in a very bad situation several years ago but never wanted to talk about it. When I tried to ask her, she exploded and it made work very tense for several weeks... until she called me some time later in the middle of the night, asking me to come pick her up.
She started coming to my church, and I went to all the new member classes with her so she wouldn't feel alone... went to her baptism, etc., and would try to encourage her to keep going when she called in a panic over whether or not she should attend her counseling group. I love her dearly and am happy to see what God has helped her through.
But... about 3 years ago... God sent her a wonderful guy. He treats her like gold, and for most every holiday, anniversary, or even no special occasion... our office is bombarded with flowers for her, etc. They plan to marry in the spring. I tried very, very hard to always be happy and glad for her.
But one day, she told me, "Kim, last night I prayed that God would heal your jealous heart."
I was like, "WHOA, I must be really out of control for her to say something like that."
I know we are to be content with where we are and with what God gives us... but we're still human!! I pray regularly for help with this and feel the best thing God has done is allowed people to tell me about their lives--I get to see their struggles and know their situations aren't perfect... but sometimes I still feel very hurt and looked over (I've been alone this whole time.)
How about all of you? Does jealousy ever get the best of you... and how has God helped you deal with it?