Love Challenge #4

1 Corinthians 13 v 4 - 7. It reads:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."


The challenge this week is a little different. It is based on the verse that reads "[Love] does not envy". 
When I was first thinking of this challenge I almost dismissed it because I felt like envy was not something I really struggled with.  Giving it a little more thought changed my perspective a little.


It is true that I do not really experience envy for others' material possessions. However, in all honesty there are times when I am envious of other's state of being. If it is a time that I am going through a particular period of physical pain or hurt in my life, I find myself envious of other's physical wellbeing. Not that I wish for them to experience my pain but I long for the freedom from pain that they are experiencing.  Some days when my dear hubby Godwin and I are in "serious discussions", okay I'll admit it, crazy fights, I long for the peace and content I see in a couple taking a walk hand in hand. Again, I do not wish for their lack of happiness, it is just a longing for betterment in my situation. 


And some may argue that there is nothing wrong with that. Anyone who is sick wishes for health, anyone who is unhappy wishes for true joy etc. And to an extent I agree; but where I see the challenge I seek is in the focus of the moment.


What if when Gody and I are experiencing marital challenges, in stead of looking at someone else's happy relationship and wishing the same for me I focused on them in that moment and celebrated the love and peace they have regardless of where I am at. It may take a little training and disciplining of the mind but it is a true expression of love for someone. It might even benefit me to be in their presence to see how it is that they deal with their differences and issues.


What if when I am not at my physical best, in stead of being envious of my friend who is training for a marathon, I actually call her and encourage her. I am not only loving on her but I might be able to clear my mind of envy for the moment to actually be inspired by her motivation and hard work.


It really does take love to be truly happy for another regardless of the situation one is in. However, as has become our motto, love is a choice. You can choose to love in spite of the feeling. 
So, a challenge it is - love does not envy.