The right way to battle envy

Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Proverbs 27:4

The famous preacher F.B. Meyer was known for gathering very large crowds to hear him preach in the area around Northfield, Massachusetts, in the early 1900s. He became very prominent in his day, and was a household name among many Christians in the northeastern United States.

But it wasn’t long before another great preacher, G. Campbell Morgan, crossed the Atlantic from Britain and began doing ministry in the same area. People then flocked to hear Morgan’s brilliant preaching, thinning out Meyer’s crowds.

Meyer confessed at first he was envious. Then he said, “The only way I can conquer my feelings is to pray for Morgan daily, which I do.”

William Penn once said, “The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.” Nothing can ruin a relationship or a person like feelings of envy. F.B. Meyer realized that and performed the best remedy possible: prayer.

So when you have feelings of jealousy, give it to God. Pray words of blessing over the person who’s causing you jealousy. Pray that your own heart would be transformed. Let God be King over your envy and you’ll be able to live with a clear conscience.

Prayer Challenge

Pray and give God any feelings of envy you’re having today. Ask Him to reveal where you are jealous of others and ask Him to bless them.

Questions for Thought

What issues of envy are you dealing with today?

How might giving your envy over to God allow you to be a better instrument for His Kingdom?