SUMMARY: Envy
OVERVIEW: The Ephraimites’ jealousy caused a war that took 42,000 lives.
BIG IDEA: Celebrate the success of others.
KEY VERSE: Judges 12:3 (Jephthah to the Ephraimites)
So when I realized you weren’t coming, I risked my life and went to battle without you, and the Lord gave me victory over the Ammonites. So why have you now come to fight me?
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Don’t be envious of another’s success. Celebrate with them. Regardless of the circumstances, if they accomplished something important to them, acknowledge it, and encourage them. Meanwhile, I want your faithfulness. Seek my pleasure instead of adoration from others.
Be careful not to look down upon or criticize those different from you. Too many lives have been hurt and relationships ruined because of foolish pride, jealousy, or envy. I did not create you for that. Those are tools from the enemy. Those are his evil devices that separate people and keep them from listening and learning from one another. You’ve been there. You know how it feels when you’re disrespected or discarded because of where you live or who you know. I want you to think and live differently because I know you and love you. I want to determine how you receive and interact with others. I want to be the one to shape your mind and choices.
NEXT STEP
Celebrate another person’s success. Don’t let envy steal your joy or harm a relationship. Look for an opportunity to privately and publicly give another praise and encouragement.
LYRIC VIDEO