I Corinthians 13 – Love Does Not Envy
In I Corinthians 13 we are reminded that love does not envy. Yet, envy is a problem for most of us from time to time.
I Corinthians Says Love Does Not Envy
So what do you think of the new house?” Andrea asked Heather as they drove away from their friend Jill’s new home.
“It’s pretty splashy,” said Heather.
“I think it’s lovely” said Andrea, “and Jill has done such a great job of decorating it…”
“It feels a little overdone to me,” Heather interrupted.
“I wouldn’t say that,” replied Andrea, “but it certainly does exhibit Jill’s personality—the bold colours, the sharp contrasts. None of our friends would be confused about whose house it is. I’m so happy for her. I love to see my friends blessed and enjoying the good things God gives them. I know it’s only a place to live, but I’m glad it suits them so well.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” said Heather. “It’s a great house. It’s just not the way I would’ve done it.”
Her friend smiled at her. “It’s not as if your place isn’t nice enough.”
“It’s nothing compared to what Jill has now. I couldn’t help but wonder, as she was showing us around, why God never gave me a nice place like that.”
Andrea’s silence prompted Heather to continue.
I Would Enjoy That House
“It’s not that I’m not happy for her; It’s just that I would enjoy a house like that so much.”
“I think anyone would be happy to live in a house like that,” said Andrea, “but I’m also happy to live in the house I’ve got.”
“It just doesn’t seem fair,” said Heather. “Dave and I have more kids and less space. Did you notice that playroom they put in? I don’t think Timmy and Susie need all that room. They’ll probably just grow up with a horrible sense of entitlement. And the size of that kitchen! My goodness, it would do for a small restaurant.”
Andrea glanced from the road to look at her friend for a moment. Something was definitely bothering Heather. “I think what matters is what we do with the resources we’ve got. Not everyone has the assets that Glenn and Jill have. They’ve done a great job with what they have, but you and Dave have done a great job with what you have, too.”
Heather’s voice sounded tight when she responded. “But there’s so much more that I’d like to do. And it bugs me that I can’t. It seems that all of my life I’ve been just scraping by while everyone else gets ahead. Others have nicer houses, smarter kids, better jobs… I’m not asking for more than my share. I just want to be average.”
Andrea’s voice was soft when she replied. “I suspect all of us could feel that way, if we let ourselves, even Glenn and Jill. I bet they know people with bigger houses and more money.”
“Well it strikes me that they’ve got way more than they need. It would’ve been nice if somehow the resources could’ve been spread around a little more evenly,” snapped Heather.
Showing Off
Once again Heather kept talking to fill the obvious silence.
“I had a sense that she was really showing off when she took us through the house. She’s been to our places she knows what we have and don’t have. I think she really enjoyed reminding us that we don’t measure up. I tell you, Andrea, when I was there I felt really unhappy.
It was all ‘come and look at this’ and ‘let me show you what I did here’ and ‘look what Glenn did with this space.’ It was more than I could take graciously. I’m just glad I didn’t blow up at her.”
“This kind of thing can separate friends, Heather. I hope this doesn’t spoil the friendship we’ve enjoyed. You, Jill, and I have known each other for so long it would be a shame to let something like this split the three of us up.
“Well it won’t split us up if she backs off a bit and quits gloating.”
Andrea waited a moment before speaking. “Jill’s new home is a dream come true for her. I’m trying to remember that love doesn’t envy. I hope Glenn, Jill, Timmy, and Susie really enjoy their new place. This time no one stepped up to break the silence.
What do you think happens when someone is envious in a relationship? Contact us– we’d love to hear from you!
Ron Hughes
Ron Hughes is the former President of FBH International He developed his interest in technology and mass communications during his highschool years in Peterborough, Ontario.
He received a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University where he graduated as the program’s “outstanding graduate.” He gained experience working in both commercial and cultural radio stations in Southern Ontario as well as engaging in freelance production.
In 1983, he and his wife, Debbie, moved to Ecuador where they served as missionaries for 10 years. There, Ron produced radio specials and numerous music albums as well as several videos. Some of these videos were the first ever produced in Ecuador’s major indigenous languages. In 1993, the Hughes family returned to Canada at the invitation of FBH International (then Family Bible Hour) and oversaw the ministry for many years.
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Images courtesy of:
House – Eduardo Galvani
Woman in Car – Csizmadia József
Playroom- Keith Lau
Love Does Not Envy – Keramark Solutions
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