February 12

Read: Luke 15:25-32

Jealousy is cruel as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a most vehement flame (Song of Solomon 8:6, R.S.V.).

Jealousy

The essence of carnality is selfishness — a self-centered spirit that will not yield to God’s will, nor give fair consideration to other persons. It is a basic deficiency in Christlike kindliness. It is a lack of the kind of love that wishes the best for a fellow human being. Because this love is lacking, the spirit grows jealous and cannot be happy in the success or happiness of others. Jealousy has been called “the meanest feeling.” The Bible describes this carnal attitude, “cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame” (Song of Solomon 8:6).

A friend testifies that during his college days he became aware of the carnal mind because of a spirit of jealousy. He was studying for the ministry and working hard to excel as a preacher of the gospel. When given an opportunity to preach, he did his best and had good success. But he could not bring himself to be glad when a fellow student was successful in the pulpit.

He could always find flaws in the ministry of others. It was a painful revelation when he faced up to the fact that he secretly rejoiced in the discovery of these shortcomings in his friends. Through the soul-searching ministry of the Holy Spirit he saw that the underlying cause was carnality. He deplored this wrong spirit that he found. He sought for deliverance and God gave it. That deliverance is available to all who are grieved by inward sin.

I hate the sin which grieves Thy loving heart; Speak, precious Lord, and bid it all depart. Thy temple cleanse and make my heart Thy home; Come, King of Kings, and reign thyself alone.*

— George Bennard

*Copyright 1940 Renewal, The Rodeheaver Co. Used by permission