Contending for Your Birthright Blessings

Two of the greatest enemies of your birthright blessings are envy and jealousy. These forces don’t just stir emotions, they are spiritual assassins that seek to kill destiny, dreams, ministries, and even divine assignments.

Biblical Definition of Envy: A sinful desire for another’s advantages, gifts, or blessings, leading to resentment and even violence. It is destructive to both the envier and the one envied (James 3:16).

Biblical Definition of Jealousy: A fear-driven suspicion of being replaced or losing what one believes is theirs. Unlike envy, which covets what others have, jealousy clings to what it already possesses.

Key Distinction: Envy wants what someone else has, while jealousy fears losing what you already have. Both spring from pride and insecurity, and both can manifest as strife, division, and destruction.

Spiritual Insight: Human envy and jealousy are always destructive, but God’s “jealousy” is holy. His jealousy is His covenant zeal, His burning passion to protect His people and secure their undivided devotion (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24). While human jealousy corrodes relationships, God’s jealousy saves and preserves covenant love.

From the very beginning, Scripture shows us the danger of envy. Cain murdered Abel because he envied the favor God placed on Abel’s offering (Genesis 4:3–8). Later, the Philistines envied Isaac’s wealth and tried to choke his inheritance by stopping up the wells his father Abraham had dug (Genesis 26:12–15). Even our Lord Jesus was handed over because of envy. Pilate knew the religious leaders envied His authority and anointing (Mark 15:10). Envy crucified the Son of God.

Beloved, this is a year many of you will step into your birthright blessings with greater clarity and power. And yes, your obedience will offend some, even those close to you. Joseph’s brothers hated him for his dreams (Genesis 37:5–11), but those very dreams carried the plan of God to preserve a nation.

How should you respond? With wisdom, discernment, and above all, love. Some people you must cut off because they refuse to repent. Others you must simply hold at a distance until God brings them to maturity. And with some, you may still walk closely, but you will need to guard your tongue and keep certain treasures of the heart between you and God. In every case, you are commanded to love (John 13:34–35).

The apostle Paul reminds us that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God will even use fiery trials to refine your character, purify your motives, and prepare you for greater glory.

Challenges may come because of your identity in Christ. And when you are spoken against or resisted, count it as a blessing if it is done so because you are standing faithfully for Jesus’ sake (Matthew 5:11). Just as the cross led to resurrection and exaltation, your opposition can become the very launching pad into your destiny. What was meant for evil, God can turn for good (Genesis 50:20).

So take heart when slander, false accusations, or secret plots arise against you. The psalmist declared, “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy” (Psalm 101:5). And Jesus promised, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12).

Contend for your birthright blessings. Refuse to be intimidated by envy and jealousy. Keep your heart pure, your hands clean, and your eyes fixed on the One who called you. The God who began the good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).