How to Overcome Temptation, Part 140 (Envy) (Onward Christian Soldiers Discipleship Class #264)

1 Corinthians 3:3

In our passage today, we are continuing to look at what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians. In this chapter, Paul describes the qualities of true Christian love, translated as charity in the King James Version. One of the qualities of a true agape Christ-like love is not envying others. We should strive to love our brothers and sisters in Christ the same way that Christ loved them and us. Matthew Henry said, “Charity suppresses envy: It envieth not; it is not grieved at the good of others; neither at their gifts nor at their good qualities, their honours not their estates. If we love our neighbour we shall be so far from envying his welfare, or being displeased with it, that we shall share in it and rejoice at it. His bliss and sanctification will be an addition to ours, instead of impairing or lessening it. This is the proper effect of kindness and benevolence: envy is the effect of ill-will. The prosperity of those to whom we wish well can never grieve us; and the mind which is bent on doing good to all can never with ill to any.” When you feel yourself being tempted to envy others, think about how you should have a Christlike spirit of love that does not envy others.