Envy Recap

We began our series with the story of Peter’s conversation with our Savior, after hearing that he was to be martyred:

“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved [John] following them…When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:20-22)

Jesus’ rebuke, while it seems harsh, was really the most loving answer he could give to Peter, for sinful comparison is a destructive practice. The Bible calls it envy.

So far we’ve considered three questions:

WHO do we envy? (We envy those close to us.)

WHY do we envy? (We don’t want others to have what we can’t have. We want to be the best. We doubt God’s goodness.)

WHAT are the consequences of envy? (It robs us of peace, fruitfulness, and relationships.)

Envy is serious. “Out of envy” Jesus was delivered up to die. But “out of mercy” he confronts our sinful comparison because he wants to help us overcome it.

We’ll address this final question: “HOW do we overcome envy?” in the following posts.