Empty the Envy in Favor of Love and Healing

In this mini-series on healing through Love with focus on I Corinthians 15, the following verses have already been considered -- the new addition is at the end -- "love envieth not."

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I gave my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; 

To "envy" is to "see against." Its origin contains the Latin video, to see. 

Henry Drummond's book, The Greatest Thing in the World, based on this Scripture, translates this short passage to one word, "generosity." Why? He explains that envy "is a feeling of ill will to those who are in the same line as ourselves, a spirit of covetousness and detraction;" it is a feeling of ill will to anyone who possesses or accomplishes something another wants, or wants to do better.

Drummond admonishes us to have "the grace of magnanimity." He urges that we recognize the one and only thing that truly should be envied — "the large, rich, generous soul which “envieth not” (7). Envy the one who does not envy!

Okay, so let's stop all this "seeing against" and instead see through God's eyes. Pray, "Father what do You see?" He will show you.


There is an equality, not an imbalance. God's perfect Self is expressed perfectly, Each one of His children is endowed with spiritual gifts unique to his or her identity.

The whole is the allness of the one Perfect Being, or I AM, moving and acting harmoniously to the glory of the One, our Father, God. Paul writes, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). As image and likeness (Gen. 1:26) we each include (like a mirror reflection) all the wonderful and good qualities of the one Infinite -- each in our own way. We are part of the whole. God would not be complete without  you. Therefore, envy not -- there is not one good thing that you do not already include that will manifest to His glory and your happiness and fulfillment of purpose.

See from God's eye-view and make best use of all the gifts you already have. Look not at each other in a limited, personal, and faulty way, but look to God and you will become consciously and tangibly all that He is in your own uniqueness -- nothing lost and nothing withheld. You are like a mirror held up to all good. Focus on that!

The right motive is the desire to show forth Good clearly and fulfill your purpose in harmony with all the universe and glorify God. Hell means unable to see; heaven is clear spiritual vision that "envieth not," but loves generously with magnanimity. The good you see in another is good that is part of yourself, good that is God expressed, good that makes all things harmonious, healthy, and balanced. Praise God by praising good and being grateful for it as seen in each one of us.


Drummond, Henry (2011-01-01). The Greatest Thing in the World, Experience the Enduring Power of Love (p. 7). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.