Envy

 

Beautiful Spring skies and budding trees.

Looking into 1 Corinthians 13 again today. "Love does not envy."

Envy is defined as feeling discontent because of someone else's belongings, possessions, attainments or attributes.

That leaves a lot to keep us busy with in life doesn't it?

I remember seeing this in my children when they were tiny. They would take a toy from another child just to have it for themselves. Not to play with and enjoy, just simply to possess it and keep it from someone else. I remember trying to impart to them the lesson of putting others first, being happy for the accomplishments of someone else and seeking to share the good things they had with others.Teaching them to be truly happy for someone else winning a game, or looking for someone to share their gifts and possessions with didn't always set well with their childish hearts, but I know if they learned to put others happiness first that their joy would increase.

We learn in 1 Corinthians today that love doesn't envy what others have been blessed with. Just the opposite is true. Love rejoices in the goodness others receive. We truly congratulate the winner. We enjoy the happiness of others because they have some things that brighten their days and bring a smile to their face.

Don't you just love the people who are cheerful when you succeed and rejoice with you when God bestows a blessing into your life?

Joy and blessings are meant to share together.

Love, this verse goes on to say, doesn't parade itself. 

A parade is made to be seen, to be the center of attention. 

Love doesn't need to be the center of attention 

Love prefers others to be blessed. Love doesn't hold up it's riches for display in order to cause envy in another's heart.

Only God and His attributes deserve to be the center of attention.

People who feel secure with who they are in Christ do not need the admiration of people.

Their primary concern becomes the well being of other people.

What a difference our lives could make if we live each day concerned that the people around us feel loved, connected, nurtured and have their needs met. That's a happy person. 

Be one who lives each day to be a blessing rather than to be blessed.

Love isn't puffed up as this verse also states.

It's not arrogant.

Arrogance puffs up....love edifies.

A life of arrogance holds no comfort. As one person said, it's like a group of porcupines trying to cuddle up together. 

Puffed up people are lonely and insecure. Until the love of Christ fills a heart it cannot connect to others and this intensifies loneliness.

Self centered people are the loneliest and emptiest souls alive.

They may be surrounded with luxury, but things cannot fill souls or hearts.

Seeking admiration alienates people.

A heart that nurtures others and shares the goodness of Christ finds true fulfilment.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself and is not puffed up." 1 Corinthians 13: 4

Jesus alone is the fountain of every blessing.

As we live to share His love with others, life becomes deeper and richer.....