Jealousy

This is inspired by Prompt #65--Random Page as is taken from  page 176 of The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, a book loaned to me by fellow Trailbrazin' Helen Sadler and one that is admittedly taking me too long to read! 

"Jealous people go straight to hell."

Having grown up with the concept that sin--physical acts or flaws of character--result in an express ticket to hell. Unless of course, you ask for forgiveness and make a conscious effort to avoid a repetition of said sin. Then, God would extend his grace, even when there is no way in hell you deserve it. Overall, He is a gracious God, but don't test him.

Now, I'm starting to recognize that operating out of that kind of fear and guilt isn't such a healthy way to live. Another thing I've realized is "sins" such as being jealous or envious are just part of human nature. They're not pretty traits, but they are there--they just vary in degree person to person. 

Being human does not automatically guarantee you a reservation to the presidential suite in Hades. 

Add to that, jealousy creates its own special hell for the beholder, so why is further punishment required? 

And, now, and acrostic: 

Joyfulness is robbed when

envy reigns--a hell 

all its own,

leeching contentment, becoming an

obsession that 

ultimately devastates the 

spirit, building a prison of

your own making.