Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
NKJV

Often, we misconstrue envy as the "painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another coupled with a desire to possess the same advantage." The ancients defined it as "grief at someone else's good," a profound definition indeed.

Our flesh tends to react poorly when others experience something positive, like a raise, promotion, or a good deal. Instead of celebrating, envy fills us—an evident work of the flesh.

When good news reaches your ears about someone else, choose to rejoice. It's not the typical reaction. Our flesh prompts us to think, "Why didn't that happen to me?" There might be a myriad of reasons, but at that moment, it doesn't matter. You can either respond positively with a "Congratulations, that's great," or negatively. Love, however, implies a different response—"I'm glad that happened." That's what we're meant to embody—love. Instead of envy, find joy when good things occur to others. It's contrary to the world's outlook.

These concepts contrast sharply with the world's perspective. We strive not to mirror the world's ways.

Life Lesson: Don't mirror the world, which calls evil "good" and good "evil."

Lord,
I want to rejoice when others are blessed, not be envious. Please fill me with Your Spirit, and help me to walk in love. That is the opposite of the world, and that's what You have called me to do.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

Senior Pastor
The Bridge
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