Jealousy by Mary Cotton


My Lenten daily readings on missionstclare.com have included the story of Joseph and his brothers and feature an all-too real emotion: jealousy. One reason I enjoy reading the bible is because the stories ring true. Heroes of the bible are imperfect, and they experience the same emotions that I do.  

Joseph’s brothers are so jealous of him that they consider killing him, and ultimately sell him into slavery and let their father believe that he was killed by an animal. Years later, after rising to a position of power in Egypt, Joseph saves his brothers from starvation during a period of famine.  

Prior to receiving his forgiveness, Joseph’s brothers talk among themselves and wonder “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?" (Genesis 50:15b). Joseph holds the power of life or death over his brothers, and he says "Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God?” . . . In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.” (Genesis 50: 19b, 21b). 

Has a jealous friend or family member ever hurt you by saying or doing something mean to you? Consider reflecting like Joseph: “Am I in the place of God?”, and instead of judging or reacting angrily, try speaking kindly.  

Conversation starters:

Children have an easier time spotting things their friends do wrong than reflecting on their own actions. So, questions can include: 

Did anyone at school today take something that was yours, or cut in front of you in line?   
What happened?  
Do you think your friend might have been jealous? Explain that jealous means wanting something that isn’t yours. 
What did you do? 
What might have happened if you had spoken kindly? 

Youth sometimes open up more if mom and dad can reveal a time that they were less than perfect. Parents, did you ever want something that didn’t belong to you, or say something mean about a friend who was more popular than you? Share a story, and ask your child: 

When you feel jealous, is it usually because of things your friends have, or because of friendships your friends have that you want?  
What do you do when you feel jealous?  
God loves us so much that one of his commandments tells us not to be jealous, to not even want what other people have.  
Do you think that’s a good rule?  
Why or why not?  
Do you think it’s possible to not want what others have? 


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