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Got a little bit of extra time? ChallahCrumbs is taking your family to Sunday school. This week we’re talking about Jealousy. It is so easy to look at others and think that what they have is better. In this lesson we will investigate the source of jealousy, why it is so destructive, and talk about ideas to overcome that “green with envy” feeling.

Learn

Set up a mini-study session with our three sources and the guided questions.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house… (Exodus 20:14)

  • To covet is to want something SO badly or be jealous of someone who has something you do not. Did you know this is the last of the 10 commandments? Why do you think not being jealous is so important that it is included as one of the 10 commandments?
  • It is natural to feel jealous some times. Can you think of a time that you were jealous?

A sound heart is life to the body; but jealousy is rottenness to the bone. (Prov. 14:30)

  • Why is jealousy so bad that it is “rottenness to the bone”?
  • What kind of heart is a sound heart?

Jealousy, lust and honor-seeking drive a person out of this world. (Pirkei Avot 4:21)

  • We are supposed to avoid feeling jealous. What feelings should we try to have? (for example, I know there are times when I am jealous of my sister, but there are also times when I am very proud of her.)
  • What qualities should a person strive to have?

Discuss.

What is the root of jealousy? How does being happy with ourselves help us to recognize that the ‘grass isn’t always greener.’

Remind your child of some of his or her fabulous qualities. Tell stories of times that you have been particularly proud of your child.

Create.

One great way to keep jealousy in check is to recognize all the great things about you!

Materials needed:

Shoe box
Scissors
Magazines
Markers
White Glue
Glitter
Stickers

Instructions:

Write words or choose pictures with your child that celebrate his/her special qualities (if your child is athletic, you may want to draw a basketball etc.) or prize possessions (a picture of the family dog).

Each child should get a shoebox to decorate. Older kids can decorate the outside of the box with pictures that represent their interests and talents. Younger kids can simply decorate their boxes with stickers and drawings.

The shoe box can hold different pictures and words that remind your child just how special and lucky he or she is.

Bring out the shoe box the next time your child says, “it’s not fair, I want what they have!” to remind them of all she or he has to be proud of!