Pastor Emeritus Richard Chock from the Community Baptist Church preached on the little foxes in the vineyard decades ago. I tried to do the same four years ago. The little foxes we talked about include gossip, envy (jealousy), and bitterness.
Envy is a silent thief. It steals joy not by taking what we have, but by making us believe what others have is better. It distorts the lens through which we view our own blessings. When someone else is praised, promoted, or prospered, envy whispers, “Why not me? Am I not better?”
But love – true love – does not envy. Instead, it rejoices in the good others receive. It sees a friend’s success and claps the loudest. It observes someone’s gift and gives thanks to God for His beautiful design in each person. I have heard only parents and teachers can really be happy for their children / students. I believe others can be too.
This is hard, however. Especially when we are feeling overlooked or tired from our own struggles. But that is when love stretches us. It invites us to step out of the shadows of comparison and into the light of gratitude and contentment.
God’s love for us is personal and abundant. There is no need to envy what he is doing in another person’s life when he is also writing a beautiful story in ours.
So next time envy comes knocking, let love answer the door. Love that cheers, love that celebrates, and love that trusts God’s timing and purpose.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Pro 14:30)
Can you share what story is God writing with your life?
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