The Problem with Envy

Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other. Galatians 5:26

Since social media usually highlights the best moments of people’s lives, it is easy to fall into the trap of envy. Envy is a feeling of discontentment or covetousness regarding someone else’s advantages, success, possessions, or qualities. As Christian youths, it is crucial to be set free from the sin of envy.

The Biblical Perspective on Envy
The Bible addresses envy multiple times, warning believers of its destructive nature. In Proverbs 14:30, it states, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” This vivid imagery underscores how envy can corrode our inner peace and well-being. Similarly, James 3:16 says, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” These scriptures make it clear that envy is not just a harmless emotion but a catalyst for further sinful behavior, the spirit of heaviness, and discord.

10 Signs that you are envious

You constantly put others down.
You desire and want what belongs to others.
You compare what you have with what others have.
You are filled with bitterness, regret and complain a lot.
You are not happy when you see and hear about others’ good news.
You believe you will not be complete until you have what others have.
The good fortune of others makes you sad.
You harbor resentment and hatred towards successful people.
You have a personal dislike for anyone who is succeeding.
You are plagued by fear and self-doubt, believing that you can never achieve the same level of success as others.

The Root of Envy
Envy often stems from a lack of contentment and gratitude. When we focus on what we lack rather than what we have, we open the door to envy. This comparison trap leads us to desire the blessings and successes of others, forgetting that each person’s journey is unique and that God’s plan for us is perfect in its own timing. In the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), Jesus teaches about the dangers of comparing ourselves to others. The workers who labored all day envied those who worked only a few hours but received the same wage. Jesus’ message is clear: God’s grace and generosity are not bound by our standards of fairness. Instead of comparing and envying, we should trust in God’s provision and timing for our lives.

7 Scriptures about Envy

James 4:2-3: You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
James 3:14: But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
1 Corinthians 3:3: For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
Galatians 5:19-21: Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 27:4: Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
Ecclesiastes 4:4: Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Exodus 20:17: You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.

Overcoming Envy

Envy is a natural human emotion, but as Christians, we are called to rise above it through the power of the Holy Spirit and live a lifestyle of holiness. Always remember that in Christ, we have everything we need.

1. Cultivate Gratitude: One of the most effective ways to combat envy is by cultivating a heart of gratitude. Regularly thank God for the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you focus on the positives and recognize God’s hand in your everyday life.

2. Practice Contentment: Contentment is finding joy and satisfaction in what you have, rather than longing for what you do not. Philippians 4:11-13 reminds us that true contentment comes from Christ, who strengthens us in every circumstance. By leaning on His strength, we can learn to be content in all situations.

3. Celebrate Others: Instead of feeling envious of others’ successes, choose to celebrate them. Romans 12:15 encourages us to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” By genuinely rejoicing in others’ blessings, we shift our focus from comparison to community and love.

4. Seek God’s Perspective: When envy begins to creep in, seek God’s perspective through prayer and scripture. Ask Him to reveal the root of your envy and to help you see your life through His eyes. Remember that God’s plans for you are uniquely tailored to your growth and ultimate good (Jeremiah 29:11).

5. Serve Others: Serving others can shift our focus from ourselves to the needs of those around us. Acts of service remind us of our blessings and allow us to be a blessing to others. As we serve, we develop a heart of compassion and humility, which leaves little room for envy.

6. Extreme Envy: In such cases, seek to break its hold over your life by seeking deliverance. The force of fire prayers, fasting, and scriptures can destroy the mental, emotional, and spiritual strongholds it has built over the years, sometimes since childhood.

Prayers