Slaying Dragons: Envy (Feeling Bitter When Others Have It Better)

1. Envy is defined as: a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. How would you define envy in your own words?

2. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (Proverbs 14:30) Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. (Job 5:2)

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:16) 

Why do you think the Bible uses such strong imagery such as “rots the bones” to describe envy?

3. Garry shared how envy caused him to resent someone rather than love or appreciate them. Have you ever felt envious of someone? How did it affect your thoughts or actions? What are some ways to celebrate others’ successes instead of feeling envious?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Why do you think envy and love cannot coexist?

How does Jesus’ example of love contrast with the envy we often see in the world?

5. We heard how envy stands in opposition to love, and the challenge was to flip it around and have love stand in opposition to envy. What are some practical ways we can do that?