Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“Charity envieth not”
1Corinthians 13:4b
Charity, the love of God in action, reacts with gladness when others are blessed. Far from envying the blessings that God gives to others, the love of God causes us to rejoice and be sincerely thankful when we see others receive a blessing from God, even if it is a blessing which we have hoped for ourselves. There is no envy in the love of God because the love of God in us makes us consider others to be better than ourselves, and when we consider others better than ourselves, we believe that God is right to bless them.
Envy is hatred of God’s choice as to who to bless. Envy is an accusation against God, charging Him with foolishness for giving a blessing to the wrong person. Envy stirs up ill-will, bitterness, and slander; the love of God, put into action, brings about peace and kindness. It is, as Paul said, “the bond of perfection”. Envy occupies a place in the heart of every person who does not have the love of God living in him, but when the love of God comes to dwell in a heart, envy disappears quickly, the way darkness is gone whenever light is brought into a dark room.