Meeting the Green-Eyed Monster of Envy — Luke 12–17; John 11

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (May 1-7)

As I read the scriptures, I have a running checklist of how I’m doing with the commandments, “Yes. I do that. Yep, working on that one. No problem there.” But then one comes along that catches in my throat because it points out a blind spot that I either haven’t seen before or have previously ignored or denied. This time it is the green-eyed monster, envy.

In the story of the prodigal son, I’m good with the coming home of the younger brother. I’m good with being joyful about his return home and getting a loving welcome. But why does he get the party with his friends and the most special food, the fatted calf? That’s just not right!

Sibling rivalry was alive and well in my family. My brother got the new bike and skis while I got the stupid sewing machine for Christmas. My sister had the cool birthday surprise party while I got the disappointing trip to A&W. You know how it goes. Our thoughts and feelings of jealousy come from a place of worldly comparison and scarcity. If one person gets something, it means another gets less because there isn’t enough–enough stuff, enough love– for everyone. 

The wise father in this parable, however, teaches there is no scarcity or limits when it comes to heavenly blessings and love. “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine” (Luke 15:31). There is enough, more than enough, for everyone who desires it. Because of this sacred truth, there is rejoicing (and parties) when anyone who is lost returns home. 

The idiom “green with envy’” is believed to come from William Shakespeare’s Othello where Othello is warned, “Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster…” I’m going to work on replacing the green of envy with the hopeful and abundant green of a long-awaited spring. How about you?