The Chinese language has two words for jealousy, one negative and the other positive. The first, 嫉妒, is similar to the English word. It’s an envy that veers toward hatred. Instead of celebrating another’s success or qualities, we see them as rivals and resent them. The second, 羡慕, is a word with a positive connotation that leans toward admiration. We see another’s blessings and aspire to be like them or at least appreciate what they are able to enjoy.

A recent study of Acts 5 brought me across these two types of jealousy. The negative type is stated plainly in the text. The religious leaders of the day saw the miracles and camaraderie the followers of Jesus were experiencing and the resulting attention and respect they received. Instead of celebrating their otherworldly success, the religious officials were so envious that they had the apostles arrested. Then, incensed by the apostles’ refusal to heed their commands, they were filled with murderous intent.

The positive type is implied in the text. News about the followers of Jesus spread throughout Jerusalem and beyond. Although some were afraid to associate with them, everyone was gossiping about them—in a good way, holding them in high regard. Some were bringing their sick for miraculous healing. Many were joining the camaraderie, having witnessed all including the apostles’ joy in being mistreated. This positive jealousy leaned toward admiration. Some looked on with respect; others aspired to be like those who followed Jesus.

A few times in China, people have directly said to me, “我羡慕你,” “I’m jealous of you,” in the positive way. They’ve usually been referring to my way of life, specifically how I’ve embraced opportunity. Once, though, a friend was referring to my faith. As the conversation continued, she added, “You’re a good model for me.” When I demurred and suggested we both look to Jesus as our model, she responded, “His example seems impossible to reach, but following yours while you follow His seems doable.”

I still feel uncomfortable when I think about my friend’s words. On the other hand, I wonder about living in a way that inspires positive jealousy like the early church did. I’m not good with long bouts of camaraderie as they seemed to be. (I enjoy time alone!) I’m also not a performer of miracles like the apostles were. If we let Him, though, Jesus will stretch us beyond our natural proclivities. He will empower us to love our “neighbors” miraculously and make us conduits of inexplicable inner change which inspires appreciation and admiration. We can also be fountains of joy who laugh at and in our circumstances, no matter how difficult, and persevere with hope and peace. If we’re willing, Jesus will transform us into living miracles who make others positively jealous.

Photo by Elina Fairytale: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-girl-looking-through-a-heart-shape-6202032/.