Love does not envy. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Envy is insecure. It is unsure of and uncomfortable in its identity. However, love is without envy; agape love understands and embraces its identity in Christ. Love feels the comforting fingerprints of faith wrapped around its feelings. There’s a sense of security with a soul whose sole focus is faith in Christ. Jealousy is jettisoned where love for Jesus is the motivation for words and deeds. Love sees someone’s success as cause for celebration, not competition. Envy frowns, love smiles.
Moreover, let love lead you to serve instead of striving for envy’s elusive status. Follow love’s line of reasoning and your mind will be challenged to excellence when a colleague experiences significant accomplishments. Love avoids obsessing over how to surpass a friend’s good fortune. Do you embrace and celebrate your spouse’s successes? Or do you silently steam for lack of attention? A healthy husband and wife are secure in their individuality. Their identity is in Christ.
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30
Jealousy is cruel; love is compassionate. Jealousy is shortsighted, love looks to the long-term. Jealousy is threatened; love is empowered. Jealousy jockeys for position; love trusts God for promotion. Therefore, look for ways to love loved ones who may be lured by the seductive sirens of success. Remind those who are uniquely gifted of the Giver of their gifts (Almighty God) and how far their faith in Jesus has brought them. Love is secure in calling out fools, for its confidence is in Christ.
Finally, the way to find yourself is to not focus on yourself. Focus instead on your love for Christ and be content with who you are in Him. You can love well because your Lord loves you well. You are a forgiven child of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and full of potential for Him. You are loved unconditionally by your Heavenly Father, you are saved from sin by His Son Jesus, and you are sealed securely by His Holy Spirit. Your contentment in Christ is a cause to love, not envy.
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
