Most of us battle the green-eyed monster in one way or another. Envy is two headed; not only do I want what you have but I don’t want you to have it either. Envy causes conflict wherever it roams–between family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors. It may drive one person to hurt another through gossip, slander or even physical confrontation. Envy incites many sins. Although many are wounded by envy’s arrows, the greatest hurt is to the one who envies; it brings misery. An envious person is, in reality, ignoring God’s goodness in their own life. They can easily become depressed and victimized, wounded and harmed by their own thoughts and desires.

Scriptures
Gal 5:25-26; Js 4:1-2; Js 3:16; Pr 14:30; 2 Cor 10:12; Gal 6:4; Ps 139:13-14; Jer 29:11; Ec 6:9; Phil 4:11; 1 Cor 13:4; Mt 22:39; Ro 12:15; Col 3:2; Pr 23:17;

Verse
If we are led by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. (Gal 5:25-26).

Thought
To combat envy we must resist the desire to compare ourselves with others. God created each person individually and uniquely; he didn’t use a cookie cutter. Develop your gifts and talents and accept your uniqueness. Be thankful for what you have and learn to be content. Everything isn’t fair or equal. Everything that happens isn’t God’s will, but God will use all that happens toward the good plan he has for your life. Rejoice when others rejoice and weep when others weep (Ro 12:15). Loving others and sharing in their celebrations and sorrows is part of life’s richness. It blesses us and blesses our relationships. The person who cannot rejoice in another’s joy over a marriage, baby, promotion, or new acquisition will indeed be a sad and miserable soul.

Questions
What things are easy for you to celebrate with another person? What things are hard for you to celebrate with another person? Why? In what area of life do you have the least envy of others? In what area of life do you have the greatest tendency to envy others? How do you feel when someone is envious of something you have? When something great happens in your life, who truly celebrates with you?

Response
Make a list of all you have to be thankful for. When envy tries to distract you, look at your list and thank God for each and every one of His blessings. Find opportunities to celebrate the blessings that others have in their lives. Share their joy and their sorrow.

Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:13-14). Help me to develop and use my gifts, talents and blessings for your glory. Help me to be thankful when others are blessed and allow me to rejoice with them. I know that your plan for my life is perfect. Help me to trust your plan. In Jesus Name, Amen.