Should I not do things that might make others jealous?
Question:
Hello,
I have read through your site on a number of occasions. I have some questions regarding jealousy.
When my husband proposed to me, a girl at church seemed very upset because her boyfriend had not proposed to her yet. I was concerned that she may have been jealous of that. Maybe I should not have married my husband until she felt better about things. My father-in-law was seemingly jealous too. He said he did not want to let his son go. I felt extremely guilty for marrying my husband, even though my husband and I wanted to be married.
Likewise, my father-in-law says he is jealous of my artistic ability. My husband has asked me to create art.
Should I not have married my husband because people were jealous? Should I stop creating art because I'm making my father-in-law jealous? I read in a previous message that we should not cause other people to be jealous and that Paul said he would stop doing whatever he was doing if it caused people to be jealous.
We don't have much contact with his family, and I try not to share anything about my art and hide my business from him. It seems weird that if someone's jealous I have to stop doing my job, maybe not have children, or whatever it may be simply because of that reason.
I appreciate your help.
Answer:
If someone is naturally beautiful, does this mean she must cover herself so no one will be jealous? If someone inherits a large sum of money, does this mean he must refuse it so no one will be jealous?
Cain envied his brother's relationship with God (Genesis 4:1-15). God did not speak to Abel and tell him not to offer sacrifices or to hide what he was doing. God spoke to Cain and told him that he needed to change his behavior. The person who is sinning is the person who is envious of another.
Now, it is wrong for someone to be prideful. We should not put our wealth on display in order to cause others to think we are superior. However, if someone can afford nice things, there is nothing wrong with having them. "Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart" (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20). The difference is in the attitude of the person.
You married because that is the right thing to do in God's sight. If some are jealous about that, it isn't something you can alter. They will have to learn to overcome their jealousy. You have a talent for art. That is something you can use to support your family. Again, this is something that is good. You don't stop good because someone might sin.
Response:
This is very reasonable. Thank you for your generous time in replying. I feel embarrassed for my question (though not by you ) Please forgive me.
God bless.
