"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Most of us have experienced it at some point in our lives. The green-eyed monster that lurks around waiting to destroy our relationships and cause bitterness to fester inside our hearts. Maybe you have struggled with it and can easily recall that one girl in high school who was the prettiest, smartest, and had all the boys fighting for her attention. Maybe you're the last single young woman amongst your group of friends who are happily married and adding to their offspring every year. Then again, maybe your co-worker just got promoted to a position with better pay, benefits, and responsibilities. A position you thought should of been yours.
"Love does not envy..."
Strong's concordance describes envy as "a strong feeling that sours, due to the influence of sin." It is to be distinguished with the word "jealousy" because they are not used interchangeably. Jealousy, in its proper perspective, can yield a commendable faithfulness to what is pure and holy. Think of the jealous love of God for His people found in Exodus 34:14,"You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you" (NLT). Envy, on the other hand, is always an unpleasant word that indicates "ill-will" or "malice." It's what leads someone to harbor resentment, rivalry, or strife towards another because of their fortune or prosperity.
Envy and love cannot exist in the same heart. In order to be free of this sin, that so easily entangles us, we must commit it to prayer. It's only by the power of the Holy Spirit, dwelling within us, that we can overcome our carnal hearts and return loving kindness to others. When we have a heart influenced by love, we can rejoice in the success and talents of those around us. LOVE does not envy the happiness of others.
Love,
Ashley
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