In 2015, Maximillian Potter wrote a book called Shadows in the Vineyard. The author told of the true story of the vines of La Romance-Conti, the most famous, finest, and most expensive Burgundy in France. One day, the owner received an anonymous note threatening the destruction of his world-class vineyard if he did not pay a one million Euro ransom. The owner thought it was a joke. Sadly, it was not. The crime shocked the entire region of France.

Such is the power of greed, envy, jealousy, and anger.

Jesus warns us of the potential for harm when we react with jealousy, rage, and envy to God’s graciousness toward others. And yet, nearly all of us have felt this way at one time or another.

The truth is, we hate God’s generosity and grace when we don’t agree with it or when we think it’s n…