"ENVY"

Most of us have heard the saying, "Keep up with the Jone's." This phrase surely indicates envy. Only at Calvary's cross can rough edges of envy and pride be chiseled from our heart. There we are confronted with the truth that all that we are and have is an undeserved gift of God.

"Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together,
Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him." Matthew 27:15-18 (KJV)

"Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long." Proverbs 23:17 (KJV)

"A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones." Proverbs 14:30

"lLet us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." Galations 5:26 (KJV)

God has blessed each of us with material blessings. He has also blessed our neighbor. He wants us to be content with the things He gives us and to be happy about our neighbor's good fortune.

Application: Christian love does not envy. We need to fight against envy. There is no reason for us to become envious. Remember, God has been good to us without any merit or worthiness of our own.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that only by your grace are we the beneficiaries of Your love in Christ. Forgive us when we are proud and boastful or envious of others. Instead,
fill us with Your Spirit of love and humility. In Jesus' Precious Name we pray, Amen.