Hate, Envy & the Magnificent God

My thought when I saw this title was how in the world do hate and envy relate to the magnificent God? Brian relayed the story about Joseph (who, at this time, was ironically a 17 year old young man since today is my son's 17th birthday) and his family found in Genesis 37:1-11. In the story Joseph's father showed definite favoritism towards Joseph. This made his bothers quite envious of Joseph, which gave way to contempt and hatred.

Referring to verses 1-3, Brian explained that favoritism breeds envy and challenged us not to show favoritism in our family, personal and work relationships. He continued, in verses 4-11, pointing out that envy can eventually give birth to hatred. This becomes evident when we display our selfish natures; saying and doing things we would not otherwise do.

Proverbs 14:30 reads..."A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." The verses in Galatians 5:19-23 show us that our human flesh is at war with the Spirit. " The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

As Christ followers we should be walking in the Spirit, showing His love to and for others. However, when we choose to be envious of others we demonstrate that we are walking in the flesh, not in the Spirit.

I'm personally contemplating whether I am continuing to spread "stench" in life or walking alongside God, assisting in His efforts to clean up and spread love. I am hopeful that I will reflect on this daily, remembering the words found in the gospel of Mark, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it." 8:34-35

That explains the hate and envy, but what about the magnificent God? Fortunately for us, He can and does take broken pieces (our sins, including poor choices, jealousy, envy, hatred, etc.) and puts them all back together again to serve His purpose and glory.

Think on these things and then pray and ask God to reveal the following to you; keeping in mind, "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

• Have jealousy and envy given way to hatred in my life?
• Do I need to seek forgiveness and/or be forgiven by anyone?
  
• Am I denying self, daily, to spread God's magnificent love?

Be still and silent before the Lord; follow after Him always looking and listening for His call and purpose in your life.