ENVY

As a moth gnaws a garment, so does envy consume a person.

John Chrysostom

Bullying, teasing, belittling, backbiting, gossiping, commenting upon and criticizing everything, spreading ill will and negativity in all sorts of forms are characteristics of Envy.

Envy distorts the perception that others are happier, better off, more successful than I am. However, I often find these successes are not what they seem. When I come to love and know a person, I'm happy for their vocation.

Envy directs energy away from self-improvement. Envy shoots at others and wounds itself, says an English proverb. Happiness over the failure of others only hurts the whole and hurts yourself. Nursing Envy is like trapping the soul in cage surrounded by fetid air and false light. Nothing good can grow here.

Like Pride, Envy usurps God's love. Bringing my gifts to the light liberates me from the twisted illusions of Envy.

Help me bring my own unique gifts into the light. Help me practice the habits of gratitude which grant me happiness! Help me to see in others the great gifts of your love poured out for the sake of us all.