There’s only three days left until Christmas and whatever you’re up to, I pray your heart is at rest. Something that can easily happen around this time of year if we’re not careful is that jealousy and envy can take root. In fact, I believe this is one of the tactics the devil uses to distract us in this season. As we spend time buying presents for others, it’s easy to wonder what’s in it for us. If you’re barely making ends meet and are spending whatever you have to give your kids a good holiday while your friend is getting a new car, you may be tempted to feel jealous…but I assure you, there is a better way. 

For Biblical inspiration on this subject, I look to the story of Mary and Elizabeth. Both of these women were favored by God and were pregnant with children who would impact the course of history, yet Mary was even more highly honored than Elizabeth. Even though she had waited for many years to be pregnant, Elizabeth was not jealous of her young cousin’s favor and chose to embrace her with open arms, welcoming Mary to stay in her presence for three months, presumably until John was born. 

Envy is the seed of loneliness, my friend. When jealousy takes root in your heart, you will quickly become miserable and miss the blessings that come through embracing God’s good work in the lives of others. Stop comparing and start appreciating the gifts given to those around you, and your heart will be filled with a supernatural joy whose worth far exceeds the best gift you could ever receive!