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PROGRAM D-8098
What should we do when someone is so jealous of you that they try to ruin you by telling lies about you or disparaging you in some unkind way? The biblical account of Daniel gives a wonderful example of how a Christian should handle jealousy.
In Daniel 6, we see where his peers were maliciously trying to destroy Daniel because they were jealous of his position and power. They cunningly had an edict established which prohibited anyone from praying to any god except the king, and the penalty was the lions’ den. You know the story; it is a famous one.
But consider how Daniel responded when he learned of this jealous attack by his coworkers. Beginning in verse 10 we read the following: “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10).
Frankly, had I been in Daniel’s shoes, on hearing about my coworkers’ evil plan, I think I would have gone right to the king. I would have defended myself and tried to protect myself from the harm planned against me. I would have tried to get those coworkers in some hot water of their own, and probably would have felt justified in doing so. That would be a normal human reaction, don’t you think?
But Daniel doesn’t resort to vengeance—to do unto others as they have done unto him. He simply continues to live his life, perform his job as always, and honor God without compromise.
Is someone plotting against you out of jealousy, trying to do you harm in some way? Be careful how you respond. Notice that Daniel prayed as soon as he learned of the evil plan of his coworkers. That should always be step one. Start praying about the situation, asking God for wisdom and patience. Affirm to God that the most important outcome in the situation is for his name be glorified, not for you to be exonerated.
Then let God fight the battle for you. Each situation is different, so there’s no one plan of action for all of us. However, the principle here is that we never operate from vengeance, anger, or personal retribution, but rather we allow God to show us how he can be honored through the whole mess.
Remember this: When you have an opportunity to suffer unfairly, you are following in the footsteps of Jesus. It will give you a special fellowship with him, and he will give you the strength to endure.