1 Corinthians 13:4, Charity Envieth Not

1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not …

“Envy” according the Webster’s dictionary is a feeling of discontent at the sight of superior excellence, reputation or happiness enjoyed by another. It describes one who complains discontentedly or murmurs at another’s prosperity. It is to fret or grieve at the real or supposed superiority of another, and hence to hate the person on that account. The Bible tells us that the character of Christian love dispels the entanglement of “envy” but exhibits a calm contentment of the heart at the supposed inequalities of life.

Envy was the cause of the first murder. Cain killed Abel. The Bible tells us in Genesis chapter 4 that Eve bare Cain and then Abel. Abel was a keeper of the sheep and Cain was a tiller of the ground. “And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.”

The Bible reveals to us that this emotional baggage called “envy” is sin. It caused Cain to rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. It is a destructive emotion. It festers hatred in the heart and until it cannot be contained and results eventually in the discharge of this pent-up anger in the hurting of the other person whether in physical or verbal abuse. This is not so for the Christian whose heart is filled with God’s love. It is not envious but is calm and contented to even cheer or be happy to see others prosper. Amen.