Love does not envy, it does not boast and is not proud.

Love does not envy

Envy- a feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by another's desirable possessions or qualities, accompanied by a strong desire to have them for oneself

Your friend or loved one calls you with some exciting news. Instead of feeling excited and happy for them, you're angry and envious on the inside. Why is that? You're a good person right and you really want to be happy for them but you can't. You pray and hope that one day you are set free but it still lingers. Envy is an emotion that usually comes with the desire of having what you are lacking and it's closely related to competition and social status. You have to dig down within yourself to deal with the underlying issues like low self esteem, selfishness, wanting recognition and so much more. It's not your loved one’s good news that makes you feel this way, it come from some of your own insecurities that you have to deal with. If you don't deal with the root of envy, you could possibly sabotage a long term meaningful relationship. We all have our own journey’s in life and what God has prepared for you, is only for you.

Signs of envy

1. Competitive behavior

2. Imitation

3. Insecure compliments

4. Criticism

5. You make others feel left out

6. You separate yourself

7. You ignore others

Love does not boast and is not proud!

Boast- showing excessive pride and self-satisfaction in one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

Proud- having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance

One particular day I received a phone call from woman who wanted me to come and represent a particular group of people. I agreed and she began to ask me what I was currently involved in for my introduction. Before I finished my first sentence she cut me off and began to talk about how she had done that very thing years ago and is now currently working on new projects that are bigger and better. For a moment I began to feel as if she was putting me down. I began to feel insecure about the things that I had accomplished because she belittled them. I literally had to remind myself that I am on the right track and my success do matter. That woman talked for about ten minutes about all of her achievements and forgot to even get my information for my introduction. I actively listened to her and when we hung up and I was left with her bio but she had none of my information.

When people brag or redirect the entire attention on to themselves it can make others feel inadequate, not good enough or annoyed. They will begin to avoid communicating with you because they feel you're always trying to “one up” them. Beings boastful and proud reveals that you're actually insecure. When you're sharing your success and good news are you sharing to feel better about yourself, to elevate your status over someone else, or to make them envious of you? If so, that's not love! Why would you want to make someone else have to deal with envy or the feeling of being beneath you?

"It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help." ~Unknown

When you make a mistakes are you able to admit that you were wrong? Do you believe that you don't need guidance or instruction because you have it all together? If so, you are arrogant and that will not lead to healthy relationships with others. Being envious, boastful and proud causes you to separate yourself from God. It will keep you from the ultimate goal of LOVING and BEING LOVED, in the way that God intended.

Love, Taylor J.