Jealousy stems from the viewpoint that life is unfair.
It is a selfish perspective that,
contrary to the way it looks,
focuses inward at what is lacking in our own life.
Envy is looking at someone else with the mistaken idea
that he or she doesn't deserve something as much as I do.
It's a simplistic view that distorts one's vision.
This narrow perception magnifies the other's vices
and discounts any good traits.
Self-pity is also a form of envy.
At a first glance, this might not seem to ring true. But people who are wrapped up in their own problems
are not as able as they could be to help
and serve others in their difficulties.
Our relationships depend on our ability to shed
our selfishness long enough to care about others.
Here's a test you can take to measure
whether you might be jealous.
Whenever you feel a reaction of dislike for someone,
step back for just a minute.
Imagine a red flag waving you off to the sidelines.
Ask yourself,
Are my feelings about this person congruent
with my belief that he or she is a child of God?
If not, how are my emotions distorting my reactions?"
If you discover that your reaction was
predetermined before you had considered
anything about the individual,
you may be jealous. . . . . as i do SOMETIMES ! ! !
