A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. (Proverbs 14:30 NKJV)

PROVERBS 14 IN ITS ENTIRETY.

Thought For the Week: Our hearts are the core of our living. It is whre we store our emotions, values and beliefs. A sound heart is one that is healthy and pure; bringing life to our bodies and souls. Envy on the hand is like a cancer that eats away at our bones, causing us to wither and decay. It can be an insidious foe that creeps into our hearts when we least expect it. Envy causes us to compare ourselves to others, to covet what they have, and to feel inadequate in our own lives.

We must recognize envy is a sin that violates the tenth commandment—which tells us not to covet our neighbor’s possessions. Envy will steal our contentment, gratitude and joy in the blessings that God has given us. Once we make this realization we must confess it to God, then pray for forgiveness and ask Him to help us see ourselves and others through His eyes of love.

Choosing to rather focus on the good in our own lives—specifically, those things for which we are thankful. Then we can choose to celebrate the successes of others instead of feeling jealous and resentful. We can also choose to trust in God’s plan for our lives, knowing that He has a uniques purpose and destiny for each of us. At this pivotal point we can choose to bless and encourage those around us instead of tearing them down with envy and criticism. In so doing, we will find our hearts becoming more sound, our lives more fruitful, and our souls coming more alive!

Prayer: Father, please help us to cultivate a sound heart, free from the cancer of envy. Help us to see ourselves and others through Your eyes of love, and to trust in Your plan for our lives. We pray that You would fill us with gratitude, contentment, and joy; teaching us to celebrate the successes of others. May our hearts be filled with generosity and kindness; blessing and ecnouraging those around us. Thank You for the life that You bring to our bodies and souls through a sound heart. In Jesus’ name; Amen.