this is an creative assignment: write a short story about envy/wrath/strife. using characters(use pretty Hebrew ladies names) and real-life situations to make these spirits seem real. then further explain scripturally how your characters could have done better in applying the scriptures. use KJV scriptures.

3 answers

Title: The Garden of Avidya

In the heart of the quaint village of Shalem, where olive trees swayed gently in the breezes of spring, lived two beautiful Hebrew ladies: Miriam and Aliza. Both were renowned for their exquisite gardens that flourished with vibrant blooms, each blooming more splendidly than the last. But, as it often happens in small towns, envy stirred beneath their amicable façade.

Miriam, with her long auburn hair cascading down her back, was known for her roses. Visitors would travel from afar to gaze upon her sprawling rosebushes, each petal gleaming a different shade, embodying the very essence of nature’s beauty. Aliza, a brunette whose laughter danced through the streets, took pride in her lavender fields that pulsed with color and sweet perfume. Yet, hidden behind her cheerful smile was a growing inferno of envy towards Miriam's illustrious garden.

One sunny afternoon, as Aliza tended to her plants, she couldn’t help but overhear the townsfolk lavishing praises on Miriam's roses. “Oh, they are as splendid as the sun!” one villager exclaimed. Aliza, feeling the heat of envy rise within her, snapped her garden shears too forcefully, accidentally severing a budding lavender sprout. That day, the spirit of envy whispered dark thoughts into her mind.

“Why should she receive all the admiration?” she murmured to herself. “My lavender is equally splendid in its own way.” As the sun set, the shadows of accusation and bitterness began to loom larger.

In her wrath, Aliza concocted a plan to sabotage Miriam's roses. The next morning, she mixed a potent herbicide into a small vial and set off for Miriam's garden under the pretense of borrowing gardening tools. As Miriam greeted her with warmth, Aliza fought to keep the wickedness from her eyes.

Just as Aliza approached the rosebush, ready to spill the contents of her vial, a gentle yet firm voice resonated within her heart. It reminded her of the wisdom found in Proverbs 14:30 (KJV), “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” A rush of guilt swept over her as she envisioned the destruction she was about to unleash.

“Aliza?” Miriam’s sweet voice broke through her reverie. “What troubles you?”

Looking into Miriam’s caring eyes, Aliza felt the weight of her envy dissipate, replaced with the warmth of sisterhood. She realized that her strife had only brought her anguish and darkness. Instead of sabotaging her friend, she desired unity and joy for both their gardens.

“Nothing, dear Miriam,” Aliza proclaimed, hiding the vial behind her back. “I just came by to say how splendid your garden looks today.”

Miriam’s face brightened. “Thank you! Would you like to help me with my roses? I could use an extra pair of hands.”

In that small moment of choice, Aliza decided to embrace the love of friendship over the bitterness of jealousy. She put away the vial and joined Miriam in tending to the roses. Together, their laughter mingled with the scents of the roses and lavender, creating a bond stronger than that of envy.

Scriptural Reflection:

Looking back at Aliza’s turmoil, the Proverbs provided clarity. Envy, indeed, can rot the bones and lead us to acts of strife that we later regret. Had Aliza sought the counsel of Philippians 2:3 (KJV), “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves,” she could have found a path to resolve her jealousy long before it festered.

By choosing to embrace community and celebrate each other’s gifts, instead of fostering strife through envy, both women could have cultivated a flourishing friendship, much like their gardens. Aliza’s hearts softened, realizing that true beauty blooms in the spirit of generosity and love—an everlasting garden, vibrant and abundant. And together, they would nurture not only their gardens but their bond, a testament to overcoming envy with unity and grace.

this is an creative assignment: write a short story about envy/wrath/strife. using characters(use pretty Hebrew ladies names) and real-life situations to make these spirits seem real. then further explain scripturally how your characters could have done better in applying the scriptures. use KJV scriptures. also use small words and make it sound like a 13 year old wrote this small story.

Title: The Green-Eyed Monster

In a small village named Shalom, two lovely girls named Leah and Sara lived next door to each other. Leah had the prettiest hair that shined like gold in the sun, and she was known for her amazing talent in painting. Her paintings made everyone in the village smile. Sara, with her lovely dark curls, was great at making beautiful jewelry from colorful beads. Everyone complimented her creations and loved wearing them.

But as the days went by, Sara started to feel something ugly inside her heart. Whenever people praised Leah’s paintings, Sara felt a prick of jealousy. “Why do they love her art so much? My jewelry is just as beautiful!” she thought.

One sunny afternoon, while Leah was painting a bright landscape outside her house, many villagers gathered around to watch. They clapped and cheered for her work. This made Sara’s heart boil with envy. “I wish they would notice my jewelry instead,” she muttered under her breath.

Suddenly, an awful idea popped into her head. “If I can’t have their attention, then Leah shouldn’t either!” Feeling the fire of wrath burning inside her, Sara decided to do something mean. She carefully planned to slip in and ruin Leah’s painting by splashing it with mud.

But as she sneaked over to Leah’s easel, she stopped. Leah was smiling as she painted, completely unaware of how Sara was feeling. In that moment, the whisper of the spirit of strife filled the air, but something deep inside Sara made her hesitate. She thought about how they had played together as little girls and how their friendship used to make them both happy.

At that moment, she remembered a verse her mother often read from the Bible: “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:16 KJV) It hit her that her envy would only lead to more trouble. Instead of being angry, maybe she could be happy for Leah.

With a deep breath, Sara turned around and said, “Leah, your painting is beautiful! Can I help you with it?” Surprised and delighted, Leah smiled back and replied, “Of course, Sara! I’d love your help!”

As they worked side by side, Sara shared her ideas for the painting. Leah listened and even mentioned how much she admired Sara’s jewelry skills. Little by little, the feelings of envy melted away. They laughed, painted, and even began to plan a small market where they could show both Leah’s paintings and Sara’s jewelry together, celebrating what each of them loved to do.

Scriptural Reflection:

Sara's story taught her a great lesson. If only she had remembered the wisdom in Proverbs 14:30 (KJV), which says, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” Instead of letting envy spoil her friendship, she learned to support Leah.

By helping each other instead of letting the spirit of strife take hold, both girls could thrive. This way, their friendship would grow just like their talents. Leah’s beauty shone in her art, and Sara’s shimmered in her jewelry. Together, they learned that friendship was far more important than being the best, and that love and support could chase away the green-eyed monster of envy.