Skip to main content

July 30, 2023 - Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28

 The Green-Eyed Monster: Favoritism and Jealousy

This Sunday I'll be preaching on the dangers of favoritism and jealousy from Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28. This passage tells the sobering story of Joseph and his jealous brothers, who scheme to kill Joseph out of hatred for their father Jacob's preferential treatment of him.

As we'll see, favoritism breeds jealousy, and jealousy unchecked leads to destructive actions and broken relationships. Joseph's brothers harm both Joseph and themselves by giving in to envy's poison. Their story serves as a warning for us today. Though favoritism and jealousy are ancient problems, they continue to damage our families, friendships, churches, and workplaces.

My prayer is that God would search our hearts and root out any jealousy toward others we harbor. May we celebrate each person as God's beloved child with their own gifts to offer. As we prepare to gather in worship, reflect on times you've experienced the pain of favoritism. How can you build others up instead of resenting them this week? Let's allow God to overcome envy's grip on our hearts by embracing His impartial and empowering love.

I look forward to exploring this critical topic together. God bless you!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Where Is God in the Texas Flooding? July 6, 2025

This afternoon, I received a phone call from a dear church member about the tragic flooding in Texas. We discussed the question that weighs heavy on many hearts: how could something like this happen in a Christian state, at a Christian camp, with precious children as victims? I must admit, I have wrestled with this myself over the last couple of days, spending the afternoon in prayer and tears, seeking comfort in God's word. As you may have heard, devastating flash floods struck central Texas on July 4th. At least 69 people have lost their lives, including many children, and 11 children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, remain missing. Rescue teams continue their urgent search as families wait in unimaginable anguish. You too may ask why God would allow this to happen. This question has echoed through the centuries from the faithful throughout Scripture. Job asked it. The psalmists cried it out. Even Jesus Himself, in His darkest moment on the cross, cried, "My Go...
Post a Comment
Read more

Depression - March 30, 2025

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten journey with a heavy but deeply meaningful passage: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46). Our message, “Depression,” explores how even Jesus experienced overwhelming sorrow and spiritual anguish. Far from being a sign of weakness or lack of faith, Jesus' grief shows us that emotional and spiritual darkness can be holy ground. He prayed honestly, persistently, and with trust, even when answers didn't come quickly. This sermon will not minimize the reality of clinical depression but will invite us to see how our faith walks beside our pain, never in denial of it. As you reflect this week, consider:  Where in your life have you experienced Gethsemane moments?  How might you allow yourself or someone you love to rest in the truth that even Jesus grieved deeply, and yet remained connected to God? _________________________________________________________________________________ As we continue our Lenten Journey examining the five ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Did Jesus Have to Go? - May 12, 2024

This Sunday, we'll dive into the importance of Jesus' ascension during our worship service. Our scripture, Ephesians 1:15-23 , gives us a strong picture of what it means for Christ to be lifted up and the hope and power we have in him. In Ephesians, Paul prays for the church to understand God's power at work in believers. This power raised Christ from the dead and put him in charge in heaven, above all other powers. As we study this scripture, we'll see how Christ's ascension gives us, his church, the strength to keep doing his work on earth as his body. Before Sunday, please read Ephesians 1:15-23 and consider these questions:  1. How does Christ's position in heaven change how you see yourself and your purpose in the church?  2. Where in your life do you need to trust more in the wisdom, hope, and power that Jesus gives you?  I’ll see you Sunday!
Post a Comment
Read more