"Despising" is quite a harsh word! I have been jealous of other Christians from time to time; this has been when I haven't felt in the right place with God and I've seen people living out deep, meaningful relationships with Him. But I don't think I've evrer despised anyone. 

Posted by: Rachel Sage

"Despising" is quite a harsh word! 

It is - isn't it!

It carries the idea of looking down on / treating with contempt. So in many ways the reverse of what you have felt - being jealous of others who seem to be doing better.

For interest- the word Jesus uses here is used 9 times in the New Testament:

1. Matt 6:24 - not able to serve two masters: loving one, despising the other
2. Matt 18:10 - the verse we are thinking about: looking down on other believers - maybe those who are younger in the faith
3. Luke 16:13 - again thinking about two masters
4. Rom 2:4 - showing contempt for God's kindness and goodness
5. 1 Cor 11:22 - despising the church - and particularly humiliating the poor
6. 1 Tim 4:12 - not allowing anyone to look down on you even if you are younger or weaker
7. 1 Tim 6:2 - not showing proper respect to believers in authority over us
8. Heb 12:2 - reminding us of how Jesus "scorned" the shame of the cross
9. 2 Pet 2:10 - those who despise authority

An interesting collection!