Friends, can I get real with you this morning? Do you ever struggle ith jealousy? Just between you and me, do you sometimes see others succeeding in areas where you are struggling and envy raises its ugly head. What about fear? Do you ever struggle with worrying about tomorrow and feeling hopeless about your present situation? What about resentment? Has someone hurt you and you are having trouble letting it go?

Can I tell you a secret, we all at one time another will experience these thoughts. Yes, even mature Christians. When we do, the enemy is quickly there to bring shame and condemnation. He says things like, “what kind of Christian are you?, You are not righteous. You are just a sinner.” So the guilt and the shame causes us to put on a Christian face, suppress our feelings and do church. But then we feel like a hypocrite because inside we are still dealing with the same ugly emotions. It’s a vicious cycle.

How to overcome? Recognize the root of jealousy, fear, bitterness, unforgiveness is a lack of revelation of God’s love. Now, please don’t take this as an accusation. God’s love is infinite and each of us can stand a greater revelation of His love. So the next time one of these unwanted emotions rise up in your heart, pray this:

“Father I am feeling jealous (or whatever emotion you are feeling). I know this is not who I am in you. I know this is not who you have called me to be. So I ask you Father to take away this emotion and give me a greater revelation of your love for me. Let me see you in the midst of my circumstances. Amen.”

Friends, don’t live another moment in guilt and shame because of unwanted emotions. Remember that is not who you are anymore and ask God to show you His love for you. He is faithful to do it.

May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. (‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ NLT)