Rejoice with those who rejoice. —Romans 12:15
One of the characteristics of genuine love mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13 is “Love does not envy” (v. 4). But what does that mean?
When you truly love, you are content with the basic necessities of life. You realize you have an amazing gift—a right relationship with God. What more do you really need?
This kind of love helps you to be thankful when you do get something new. And it protects you from being envious of a friend who gets new furniture or a raise at work. Elisabeth Elliot said, “If I love my neighbor as myself, there will be no reason at all for the least twinge of jealousy— because I will be just as happy that he has what I wanted as I would be if I had it.” 2
As followers of Jesus, our heavenly Father has been so good to us. He has supplied our every need “according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). That we should be envious of His goodness in other people’s lives is really a great sin against His grace.
2 Elisabeth Elliot, The Music of His Promises (Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell, 2000) 139–140.
Make it Personal
Are you content with what God has provided? Ask God to give you a love that doesn’t envy.