The Word for Today
2026-04-28
Overcoming envy
Written by Bob and Debby Gass
Unlike jealousy, which is the fear of being displaced, envy is ill-will toward those who possess something you want. Jealousy says, "I'm afraid you are going to take what I have." Envy says, "I want what you have, and I resent you for having it!" Envy is one of the most frequently concealed emotions. You may be more likely to admit to an uncontrollable temper, a phobia, or any other negative emotion than to acknowledge that you are envious.
Envy inevitably leads to resenting and criticizing the person you envy. And once you allow envy and resentment to enter your heart, they act like free radicals producing an emotional cancer. Eventually they will manifest themselves in some destructive way, whether it is in the form of taking mood-altering substances, overeating, shopping excessively, lashing out, being sarcastic, or physically harming others.
If you harbor envy toward someone, it's time to deal with it. David wrote: "You desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:6-7 NIV). If you covet what someone else has, ask yourself, "Am I willing to pay the price they paid to obtain it?"
The world has a saying: "There is no such thing as a free lunch." Everything - except salvation - has a price tag. So, whether you want to be thin, rich, educated, or whatever, stop envying the success of others, and ask God to help you succeed in the assignment He has given you for your life.
Soul food: Acts 24-26; Matt 5:21-26; Ps 94:12-23; Prov 11:16-18
Links to Bible verses: Holy Bible
First Record | Previous Record | Next Record | Last Record
Do let us know if this Word blessed you, by sending an email to gospel@radiopulpit.co.za
