Bonnie Chavda

When envy invades a marriage relationship, the results are particularly tragic. Husband and wife, once a union of love and partnership, now compete for recognition and spiritual “one-upmanship.”

Typically, jealousy among spouses masks itself in legalism—creating discord and suspicion. It effectively destroys the potential for teamwork by fostering individual kingdom building rather than cooperation. Jealousy is commonly rooted in insecurity and is defined as that “peculiar uneasiness” we experience when we see others receive the attention we desire for ourselves.

You don't have to live in the wild West to be susceptible to one of the most dangerous threats known to mankind: snakebite. In fact, snakebite is a particular problem in the church—in every climate and geographical setting. It strikes in every season, sending out its poison to hinder unity, blessing and spiritual power throughout the body of Christ.

The snakebite I'm talking about is jealousy, and it wreaks havoc by embroiling Christians in battles against one another. "What leads to strife (discord and feuds) and how do conflicts (quarrels and fightings) originate among you?" James wrote. "You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfilled; [so] you become murderers...you fight and war" (James 4:1-2, The Amplified Bible).