Genesis 21:22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do.

When people really walk with God, other people notice. Often it makes them jealous, as seemed to happen with Abraham. What it should do is provoke admiration and envy, and sometimes it does. At first glance there might not seem to be much difference between jealousy and envy, but actually there is. Envy says, “That’s nice. I want it too.” Jealousy says, “They have it and I don’t. I don’t want them to have it.” Sadly, envy can morph into jealousy, and that’s one reason for persecution. It has certainly been a motivation behind antisemitism, because Jews have good genetics and a strong work ethic, and some people, particularly those without a strong work ethic, have chosen to hate them for it. The same thing occurs in class warfare, which is singularly inappropriate for America. The founding fathers envisioned a land of equal opportunity, not equal outcome. Envy should push people to emulate, to strive harder. Jealousy, on the other hand, causes protests and complaining. We see the same thing spiritually, sadly enough. As happened with Abraham, walking with God brings all sorts of blessings. Those aren’t to be flaunted, but neither are they to be apologized for. There may be material blessings, as there were for Abraham, but those are of minor importance. What is far more valuable are the spiritual blessings of peace, hope, joy, and all the rest. Those can really stand out at times to people who are watching us. That’s why Peter told us to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 5:15) But he went on to say, “But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” We want people’s envy to draw them to meet Christ themselves, and not have that envy become jealousy.

I have been greatly blessed by God, and there have been a wide variety of responses. I’m happy to say that admiration and envy have predominated, but I have indeed encountered people who tried to drag me down to their level, rather than being inspired to climb to mine. I am not to give in to them, but neither am I to despise, much less hate them. I am to seek to make it clear that the blessings I enjoy are by the grace of God, and thus are available to all who will come to Him in repentance and faith. As a Caucasian in Japan, many people assume that I am as I am because of my background, and so don’t seek those blessings for themselves. That’s why I need to train the Japanese believers in sharing the grace that they have received, because it seems much more accessible coming from them.

Father, You have indeed been more than gracious to me. I know that Your grace and love are unlimited, but others don’t have that understanding. Help me help them grasp the reality of Your love for themselves, so that they too may walk with You, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!