An Evil Eye

Envy is a destroyer, not only does it seek to destroy those who are envied, but it will destroy those who harbor it in their hearts. The person who allows envy to take root in their heart will never experience contentment, joy or peace because the grass will always be greener on the other side of the fence and someone else will always have it better than them in some area. The envious person will not only resent those whom they envy, but will be filled with self-pity. Envy has at its root self-serving and self-exaltation and thus will not tolerate any competition with respect to being preeminent with regard to such things as position, possessions, or popularity. Paul counters envy with love. Love, he says, rejoices in the prosperity and success of others. To be Christ-like is the exact opposite of envy for Christ spent His whole life seeking to advance and exalt others. He zealously pursued what was good for others, whereas envy zealously seeks to harm others. Love does not envy because it recognizes that it is all about God and God's glory and has absolutely nothing to do with us and our glory.