Love as Brethren – Do not envy!

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…” To envy is to have “a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc. … Envy denotes a longing to possess something awarded to or achieved by another…. ” (www.dictionary.com). What is your attitude towards the success, accomplishments of other people? Do you find yourself getting envious? God can do a great work in your heart and let every form of envy be removed and enable you to walk in love. Romans 5v5 (NLT) says “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” One can be envious at people who do not know the Lord – thinking oh, they seem to always be doing well, nothing bad happens to them, they can use the backsteps and still come out okay. Even David fell into that trap. (See Psalm 73 below, it’s a bit of a long read). At a point, he tried to understand then why the wicked prosper (v16).  Are you becoming bitter towards God? Are you beginning to think, have I kept myself pure for nothing? Are you feeling as though I can’t even tell people about these thoughts? Bring it to the Lord. Let Him search your heart and ask Him to purge every bitterness, envy, and lead you to the glorious destiny He has for you.

Supplementary Text

“Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear their pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people – enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to Your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into Your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, You put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When You arise, O Lord, You will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant – I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Those who desert Him will perish, for You destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.” Psalm 73 (NLT).