But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” (Acts 8:22-23)

A man from Samaria named Simon wanted to purchase the power to enable him, like Peter and John, to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. Peter discerned what was motivating him: jealousy. He could only be happy with being the one with power. He was jealous of anyone who stole his spotlight.

Is jealousy keeping you from being happy with the positions and possessions others have gained? Repent and turn from that. It will only keep you from moving forward. If we can’t learn to be happy for other people’s gifts and accomplishments, we don’t deserve any ourselves.* Let’s pray that God will change the color of our green eyes.

My Father,

I have sinned and acted childishly. And I now repent of my tendency to wince and whine when others are promoted, praised, and provided with blessings. I choose to do as I have been instructed in your Word: to rejoice when others rejoice. To congratulate where congratulations is due. To affirm and celebrate the accomplishments of the people around me. I receive your forgiveness for disobeying your law that requires that I NOT covet anything another possesses. And I receive your cleansing from these sins. I ask that you rebuild the relationships I have wounded as a result of my pride, and I pray that you would richly bless those I have neglected to bless. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen