Love does not envy

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV

There's absolutely no way around them, injuries are inevitable. Just ask any runner, including me as I'm rehabbing a hamstring strain... again, and they will tell you. They might also tell you that when a runner gets sidelined, they tend to sulk and want nothing to do with running until they are healed. I've seen it over and over and have even had to battle the feeling myself. The injured runner doesn’t want to think about running. They don't want to talk about running and they certainly don't want to see others running. In fact, a benched runner can become so envious of other runners that they might even harbor ill-will towards them, secretly wishing they would be met with some crazy mishap that would rid them of their smile and sideline them as well. Am I right? 

And while this may have you laughing and saying, "Yep. Been there, done that," Paul was clear when saying that love "does not envy" that jealousy and resentment have no place in the heart of a believer. You see, if you and I allow ourselves to be consumed by envy, which is defined as a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck, it will control our thoughts, our actions and even our attitudes. And when envy controls those things, it makes it impossible for us to be joyful and to love others as we are called to.

So let us be sure to show love at all times my friends, especially when it's the hardest thing for us to do. Let us cheerfully delight in the good fortune of others and rejoice with them when they experience success. And then let us count our blessings... starting with thanking the Lord for the gift of another day.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the good things You have blessed us with. Help us to be so thankful for those things that we wouldn't lament over what we don't have or can't do. Help us to trust that You are working all things for our good. And even when we can't understand those "things" help us to trust You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

All Things - Covenant Worship