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Envy
'ENVY CAN EAT YOU UP.' PROVERBS 14:30
The most miserable people in life are those filled with envy. It eats away their soul and steals their joy. They think of nothing except the thing somebody else has that they want. Does this describe you? Well, how would you answer the following questions: 'Is it hard for me to compliment other people?' 'Am I always defensive?'
When somebody's name comes up in conversation do I find myself feeling good because something bad has happened to them?' Come on, be honest! When you hear something complimentary about someone do you feel the need to say, 'Yeah, but...' then point out their weaknesses? Do you diss people who've achieved more than you? Do you privately compare yourself to them? Are you preoccupied with what other people are doing, buying, wearing and who they get to hang out with? Do you trust the people you love or are you always checking up on them? King Solomon said: 'Envy can eat you up.'
So if you're envious and you want to change:
a) drop the mask and admit you've got a problem
b) apologise to God and ask for His help
c) pray for the person you're jealous of. At first it'll feel awkward but as you keep doing it God will change your heart and replace envy with love. Begin to celebrate other people's successes and make a point of complimenting them. Remember, nobody's as good at being you as you, so you've no competition. When you're secure in who you are before God, you don't have to be jealous of anybody. You'll start to appreciate your uniqueness and the role He's given you to fill in His kingdom.
written by Bob Gass
