March 25, Monday ~ Giving Up Envy

Giving Up Envy

• Psalm 37:1-40

• 1 Corinthians 3:1-15

On this Monday of Holy Week, we are asked to give up envy. Most of us have experience with envy, if not as adults, then certainly as young people. Schoolmates with the latest, great-looking outfits, better grades, more popular friends or cooler cars were often the source of our envy. Maybe as adults, we envied someone whose house was in a better neighborhood or who landed a much better, higher-profile job than we had. Don’t we deserve to be a little upset/envious of those people in those situations? Surely, there is no harm in that.

In an article in Psychology Today, Jessica Koehler PhD defines envy as “the poignant feeling of discontent or covetousness in the face of another's advantages, achievements, or possessions emerges as a more potent motivator than simple greed. It's not just about wanting more—it's about wanting more than others.” (emphasis mine)

Envy happens.

Envy robs us of happiness and contentment. It leads to the negative emotions of sorrow, resentment, and even anger. 

Envy blinds us to the blessings of our lives and smothers gratitude. 

How do we counteract the strong societal pull for us to be envious? Dr. Koehler suggests the following four steps:

1. Embrace gratitude: Imagine gratitude as your daily companion, a beacon of positivity that can dilute the pangs of envy. Keeping a gratitude journal, where you reflect on the things you're thankful for, can redirect your focus from what you lack to what you have. It's a powerful antidote to the discontent that often accompanies envy.

2. Practice mindfulness and self-compassion: Nurturing your inner peace through mindfulness and self-compassion can reshape your reactions to envy. These practices allow you to turn moments of envy into opportunities for self-reflection and growth. Acknowledging your emotions without judgment and practicing self-kindness can defuse envy's negative impact on your psyche.

3. Reframe social comparisons: Instead of succumbing to jealousy when comparing yourself to others, strive to draw inspiration from their successes. Use these comparisons as motivation for your growth and achievement. Viewing others as sources of inspiration rather than competition can foster a healthier mindset and diminish the power of envy.

4. Celebrate your achievements: In a world inundated with the achievements of others, it's vital to celebrate your accomplishments. Chart your unique path, recognizing that your journey is distinct and valuable. Focus on your goals and savor the satisfaction of your achievements. This perspective shift can redirect your attention away from envy and toward your progress.

Remember that God wants you to become fully who you are, not who someone else is.

You are loved unconditionally. Say, “Thank you, God,” and let gratitude fill your heart.

For more conversations about dealing with envy, visit the article on Bruce Grierson’s website about what is the opposite of envy. It is very inspirational.