Sunday, April 4 The spirit that has taken up residence within us keeps enviously longing.​—Jas. 4:5.

[Áine]

Sunday, April 4

The spirit that has taken up residence within us keeps enviously longing.—Jas. 4:5.

 

 

We can win the battle against envy! Consider the example of Joseph’s brothers. Years after they had mistreated Joseph, they met him in Egypt. Before Joseph revealed his real identity to his brothers, he tested them to find out if they had changed. He arranged a meal at which he gave the youngest brother, Benjamin, significantly more attention than he gave the others. (Gen. 43:33, 34) Yet, there is no indication that his brothers became envious of Benjamin. Instead, they showed genuine concern for their brother and for their father, Jacob. (Gen. 44:30-34) Because Joseph’s brothers had let go of envy, they were able to help restore peace in their family. (Gen. 45:4, 15) Similarly, if we uproot any feelings of envy, we will help to keep our family and our congregation peaceful. Jehovah wants us to fight envy and to pursue peace. If we cultivate humility, contentment, and appreciation, we will leave no room for envy. w20.02 19 ¶17-18

[Sister Twister]

We have to work hard to fight envy and jealousy as we have a tendency towards these emotions . Josephs brothers envied him and this caused them sin. But they had let go of this with Benjamin and cared for him. Cain envied Jehovahs acceptance of Able's sacrifice but instead of remedying the situation he became so blinded by envy he killed his brother .

 

So envy is a very dangerous emotion but we can let go of it and develop contentment and appreciation but this will take humility on our part.

 

the antidote is deep brotherly affection , as with the example of Johnathan and David , Johnathan had many things he could have envied David for but instead he 'loved him as his own soul' leaving no room for envy.

[Vinnie]

 So, what is envy? It's more than jealousy. It's more than desiring what someone else has. It is tied together with hate, malice and resentment. Envy is hurtful jealousy. It's selfish. It clouds seeing good. It's childish and immature and short sited as there is nothing gained when it is accomplished. Envy fights against peaceful conditions. No wonder we need to fight against it.