Belinda Elliott

“Are you jealous because I’m generous?”

The line jumped off the page at me. I’ve never seen that in the Bible before! Where did that come from? What translation is this?

I was in a small group Bible study, and we had each been assigned a passage of Scripture to read and share our insights with the group. My assigned passage was the parable of the vineyard workers found in Matthew 20: 1-16. Though I’d read the passage before, it wasn’t one that I’d really studied.

The story focused on a landowner who hired laborers to work his vineyard. He hired several men early in the morning and agreed to pay them one denarius for the day. I have no idea how much that is, but the workers seemed to think it was a fair amount. Later that morning, the landowner saw some men standing around with nothing to do, so he hired them also. That evening, he hired even more workers to finish out the last hour of the workday.

When it came time to pay his workers, he gave them all the same amount. As you can imagine, this angered the workers who had toiled all day in the heat only to earn the same wages as the men who only worked the last hour of the day. As I read the passage silently before sharing with the group, I shared the workers’ frustrations.

That’s not fair! They worked longer than the other group of men! I found myself cheering for them to be paid what they are worth—something I’ve struggled with in my own life, if I’m honest.

Then I read the landowner’s response.

“He replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I’m doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me on a denarius? Take what’s yours and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you.  Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my business? Are you jealous because I’m generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matt. 20:13-16, HCSB)

Ouch! God definitely had my attention. In that brief moment, as I thought about what to share with the group of friends gathered in my living room, God brought to mind all the times I’d struggled with this same attitude.

Why did she get that promotion instead of me? Don’t I work just as hard as she does?

He got another book contract? Really? Why aren’t publishers interested in my manuscript?

If only I made more money, I could look as cute as she does!

How did they afford that new house at their age? I wish we could afford that.

On and on it went as God reminded me that everything I own is actually His. I would have nothing if He didn’t provide it. Even each breath I draw in and each new day I’m given come from Him. Who am I to question Him when He chooses to bless His other children?

The truth is we serve a very generous God. He spared nothing to have a relationship with us, even sending His Son to die for us.

His generosity toward others shouldn’t spark jealousy in us; it should inspire praise and thankfulness. Too many times, I take His blessings for granted. I see others excel in areas I want to succeed in, and I’m jealous. I stomp around like a 2-year-old throwing a temper-tantrum, when all the while God has blessed me beyond measure.

I am glad He is so patient and kind toward us.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.” – Psalm 103:13-14

As I shared my insights with the Bible study group, I had to admit that this passage really struck a nerve. God had some work to do in my heart.

Now, when I’m tempted to compare the “fortunes” of others with my own, I will remember the vast amount of blessings God has given me. Grace. Acceptance. Forgiveness of sins. Eternal life. Unconditional love. A home. A job. Talents to serve Him. Friends and family. It’s overwhelming when you think about it!

Like the psalmist, I’m left with only heartfelt thanks to the Lord.

My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. (Psalm 103:1-2)