Grace and Peace

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.  1 Corinthians 13:4 (ESV)

Today, we continue to the next destination in Paul's description of love.  This is the first in a series of negative descriptions, which we find in the last half of verse 4.  Envy or jealousy is a universal problem.  We see it all around us today, do we not?  Many conflicts can be traced to jealousy.

The word used in Scripture here is actually a fairly neutral word meaning "to have a strong desire".  Zealous is derived from the same root word and that can be a very good thing if we are zealous for the things of God.  In Paul's context, of course, the meaning is negative.  It refers here to a strong desire toward an unworthy end.  Paul uses it to remind us that love does not act with a strong desire to seize from another person what he has or it does not act with a sinful possessiveness toward our own possessions in the face of the need of another.

How does envy grow in our lives?  It begins with self love.  This is the base ingredient in jealousy-our prideful orientation to look out for our own best interests first and foremost. Next, we mix in ingratitude.  Think about it, Christians are far from immune to ingratitude. What percentage of our prayers are prayers of thanksgiving to God, instead of requests for things?

Then we begin to compare ourselves to others.  When we do that it's hard not to be envious of some people; they seem to have it all. Our sinful nature wants those things for ourselves, and wishes that we were in their place with their stuff.   That brings us to discontent.  When I compare myself with another, and find myself lacking, I then become discontent with what I have. It is at that poing that resentment tends to add itself to the mixture.

But love does not envy. So, how am I going to allow God to produce in my life the fruit of the Spirit which is love; a real love which does not envy?

First, I need a changed of focus that is fixed on the Kingdom of God.  Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)  When my focus is wrong, I compare myself with others. When my focus is wrong, I am ungrateful for what I have. When my focus is wrong, I am discontent and I begin to resent others.  Yet, when I focus on what advances God's Kingdom, I am able to move beyond myself and my petty concerns.

Secondly, I need a changed attitude which is steeped in gratitude.  In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)  Gratitude to God for everything guards our hearts against the sin of envy.

Lastly, I need a changed perspective that looks at life with contentment.  I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  (Philippians 4:11-13) Contentment with the path God has for my life is a strong antidote for envy.