Love as Brethren – Do not envy (3)!

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren …” 1 Peter 3v8 (KJV)

1 Corinthians 13v4 (NIV) says “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy…” So we know that love does not envy. One weapon that we have against the devil, is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6v17). John 8v31-32 also shows us Jesus saying …”If you hold to My teaching, You are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When envy wants to rear its ugly head, cry out to the Lord to help you. And these are some verses of Scripture that help to put things in proper perspective.

Romans 12v15 (AMP): “Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing other’s joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing other’s grief].” When your brethren have succeeded or are promoted or have something to celebrate, don’t be envious – rejoice with them.

Psalm 75v6-7 (NIV): “No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, He exalts another.” God is the One who promotes.

1 Corinthians 12v 4–7,11 (NLT): “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other… It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” The Spirit gives gifts to each of us, for our benefit. We are serving the same Lord!

1 Corinthians 12v25-27 (AMP): “So that there should be no division or discord or lack of adaptation [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the parts [share] the suffering; if one member is honored, all the members [share in] the enjoyment of it. Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].” Remember that you have your own place in the body of Christ, and you are important!

Supplementary Text

“But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all – love].” 1 Corinthians 12v31 (AMP)

Father, I thank You again for the love of God that is shed abroad in my heart. Please remove everything of envy in my heart in Jesus name, amen.