- Romans 13:13–14 - Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
- Proverbs 14:30 - A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
As you study the nature of envy, you may realize that you, too, have struggled with this issue to some degree. If so, it is important not to overlook this matter. When left unchecked, envy does not remain only in our thoughts—it affects our behavior and causes great harm. For example:
* Broken relationships. Envy creates distance between us and the people we envy. We distance ourselves, start criticizing them, or find it difficult to genuinely rejoice in their good news. * Constant discontent. When we focus on what others have, it becomes difficult to enjoy what is in front of us. Envy trains us to search for satisfaction in things we do not possess, even though we will never find true satisfaction there. * Wasted energy. The mental and emotional energy we spend comparing ourselves to others could be directed toward our own growth, our relationships, and the calling God has given us. Envy keeps us where we are. * Bitterness and resentment. Over time, envy can turn into something uglier. The thought, "I wish I had that too," can turn into hostility that poisons one's entire outlook on life. * Loss of peace. Envy and peace cannot coexist. When envy takes complete hold of us, we lose our contentment and inner peace.
Understanding the destructive consequences of envy can encourage us to address this issue in our lives honestly. Then, with God's help, we can step onto the path of healing and restoration.
Reflection
Reflect honestly on the moments in your life when you feel envy: how do these feelings affect your relationship with God and your ability to love others?
