Overcoming Envy Through Faith

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (Romans 13:13)

In the hustle and bustle of the world, it’s easy to allow envy to creep into our hearts, poisoning our joy as it destroys our God-given relationships. Envy rarely shows up, parading itself as it really is in our lives; it is often masked by curiosity about what others are doing and whispers into our hearts discontentment and bitterness toward others.

Mature believers are called to attack envy head-on. How do we attack envy when it is so silent and tricky? The opposite of envy is having an attitude of honesty and integrity.

Romans 13:13 tells us that those who walk in honesty walk as in the day. Daylight is bright and hides nothing. Daylight destroys shadows of darkness. It rejects the seed of bitterness trying to be implanted in our hearts. Instead, daylight promotes and celebrates those who are righteous and are blessed.

Mature believers know how to celebrate when favor finds their friend. We rejoice with those who are rejoicing.

When we celebrate others’ wins, we destroy envy through faith. Our celebration for others says we understand that the same God who made it work for them is working something out for me as well.

When we acknowledge God is on our side, jealousy loses its grip on our hearts. We are confident that God is orchestrating something behind the scenes to bless us.

Your time of blessing will come. In the meantime, rejoice with someone else!

Practical Application

Who can you celebrate today? Look around for simple or grand ways that God has blessed others and let them know you are excited for them, thankful to be in their lives, and cheer them on. Your celebration is coming soon.

Luke 21:34; Ephesians 4:17

Love is Patient

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Long-suffering isn’t something most people want to work on. It’s more than simple patience. It’s allowing love to guide your patience beyond what is comfortable. To be long-suffering is to allow God to develop your patience during adversity, especially when dealing with difficult individuals. Displaying this type of patient love is a sign of a spiritually mature individual.

Kindness is similar because kindness means being useful to other people. Kindness is shown by our willingness to serve and bless others, regardless of their issues.

I Corinthians 13:4 explains that love is long-suffering and displays kindness. It also refuses to allow envy to have a part in a person’s heart. Envy is corrosive and will erode anything that love has built. Envy destroys relationships, destroys institutions, and destroys the ability for us to be used by God. Love does not envy but rejoices in the successes of others and celebrates their achievements.

Living a life where our love walk is evident can only be done through purposefully striving to act on the Word when it comes to connecting with others. That means forgiving and seeking reconciliation wherever possible. God’s love does not hold on to bitterness or resentment or keep any record of wrongs.

Practical Application

Scripture explains that the love that comes from God never fails. If you want to succeed, make it a priority to act in love. Quickly forgive others, respond the way the Holy Spirit wants you to respond and be known as someone who walks in love.

Proverbs 10:12; 2 Corinthians 6:6

That’s the Power of Love

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)

Jesus said in His name we would facilitate demonstrations of supernatural ministry. But what does it mean to do these things in His name? The Greek word for name is onoma and means authority and character. To understand the power of the name of Jesus, we must ask, “What is Jesus’ character?” It is love. As believers, we are called to walk in the authority and character of Christ by displaying His love in every facet of our lives. His love working through us gives us access to His supernatural power.

The very nature of the acts describes in Mark 16:17-18 shows love. Jesus said, “In my name, they shall cast out devils.” Why? Because the person bound by a demonic spirit is hurting, is not fulfilling God’s plan for their lives, and is restrained from living in God’s peace. Love compels us to cast out devils.

The next thing listed in Mark 16 is: “they shall speak with new tongues.” We speak in tongues because love wants everyone to be unified and hear from God. Love shares what God is saying, and speaking in tongues is one way we speak God’s perfect will.

Following this, Jesus said, “They shall take up serpents.” In the middle of difficult moments and troublesome attacks, the love of Jesus serves as a shield, protecting believers from harm and guiding them safely as they do what God called them to do.

Following this, Jesus said, “if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.” Jesus protects His people from natural poisoning. He further keeps them from being poisoned by the malice and hatred of the world. Finally, Jesus said, “they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” The love of God within us wants freedom from pain and physical attacks on others.

Practical Application

Are you looking for opportunities to use signs and wonders to show God’s love to others? Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of ways you can display His love and power to others. Then listen and obey.

Acts 5:16; Luke 10:17