GPS Guide – March 2, 2020
ENVY
Introduction: This week we will be focusing on the sin of Envy. Envy is traditionally listed as one of the “7 deadly sins” because it is a sin that can lead us on a path to many other sins. This week we will examine envy, and the way in which we might be able to escape its powerful grip. ~ Pastor Adam Ricks
Monday
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:4
“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ” (NIV 1 Corinthians 13:4)
Study: Envy prevents me from celebrating the joy of other people. 1 Cor. teaches us that envy acts as a roadblock preventing us from loving others. God calls us to rejoice in blessings and success, even when those blessings are not for us. A good parent is not jealous at the success of their child, but joyful and proud. Disciples of Christ are called to free themselves from jealousy, and in instead celebrate the joy in the lives of others. Are you ever jealous when others find success or joy? How can you do a better job of celebrating joy for others instead of cultivating resentful envy?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, please help me to remember to celebrate the joy of others. I do not want to be a person of envy, I want to find happiness in the happiness of others. Amen.