Love Does Not Envy // The Power of Love [Part 3 of 7]

“If we are living now by the Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Then we won’t need to look for honors and popularity which leads to envy and hard feelings.” Galatians 5:25-26 (LB)

“Love is not envious.” 1 Cor. 13:4 (NCB)

I. WHY SHOULD I AVOID ENVY? 

1. Distracts me from my purpose. 

“Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him, is not fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (NIV)

Peter: “I discern that jealous envy has poisoned you and binds you as a captive to sin.”  Acts 8:23 (TPT)

2. Causes relational conflict. 

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” James 4:1 (NIV)

“I have learned why people work so hard to succeed: it is because they envy the things their neighbors have. But it is useless. It is like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4 (GN)

3. Leads to other sins.

“Keep envy far from you, for it only leads you into lies.” Psalms 37:8 (TPT)

“For where you find envy there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16 (NIV)

4. Makes me miserable. 

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

“Don’t always be wishing for what you don’t have.” Luke 12:15 (LB)

II. HOW TO OVERCOME ENVY

1. Resist comparing myself to others.

“We do not dare classify or compare ourselves. It is not wise.” 

2 Cor. 10:12 (NIV) 

“Let everyone be sure to do his very best. For then he will have the personal satisfaction of work done well and won’t need to compare himself with somebody else.” Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

2. Recognize my uniqueness. 

“You, God, created every part of me. You put me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

“Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!” Ephesians 2:10 (TPT)

3. Rejoice in what I do have. 

“It’s better to be satisfied with what you have than to always be wanting something else.” Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NIV)

“I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little.” Philippians 4:12 (MSG)

“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.” Philippians 4:12 (MSG)

4. Respond to others in love. 

“Love does not envy.” 1 Cor. 13:4 (NIV)

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 (NIV)

“This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others!” 1 John 3:16 (GN)

“Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve.” Romans 12:15 (TPT)

5. Refocus on pleasing God. 

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

“Don’t be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the Lord be the concern of your life. If it is, you have a bright future.” Proverbs 23:17 (GN)