Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Diotrephes, who likes to be first among them, does not accept anything from us with respect (3 John 9).
In the first century, Diotrephes envied those who led the Christian congregation. He wanted to “be the first” among the brothers, so he spread malicious comments to discredit the Apostle John and other overseers (3 John 10). Even if we do not behave like him, we can begin to be envious of a brother who receives an assignment that we wanted, especially if we think we can perform it as well as he. Envy is like a poisonous plant. Once it takes root in the heart, it is difficult to end it. It feeds on other negative emotions, such as jealousy, pride, and selfishness. Envy can prevent good qualities from growing, such as love, compassion, and kindness. We have to tear it out of the heart as soon as it begins to sprout. w20.02 15 pars. 6, 7
What do we have to do with envy?
Peace cannot survive where envy is allowed to nest. We have to tear that harmful feeling from our hearts and not engender it in others. We must do these two important things in order to obey Jehovah's command to keep “seeking the things that promote peace and the things that build up one another.” - Rom. 14:19. What can we do concretely to help others fight envy, and how can we promote peace?
How can we help others fight envy?
Our attitude and our actions have a huge influence on others. The world wants us to “show off the things” that we have (1 John 2:16). But that provokes envy. How can we avoid awakening it in others? One way is by not talking at all times about what we have or what we plan to buy. Another is to be modest and not brag about the responsibilities we have in the congregation. Constantly talking about them paves the way for envy. Instead, when we take an interest in others and acknowledge the good things they do, we help them feel content and foster peace and unity in the congregation.
What did Joseph's brothers do, and why?
We can win the battle against envy. Let's go back to the case of José's brothers. Years after what they did to his brother, they met him in Egypt. However, Joseph did not immediately reveal who he was, but instead tested them to see if they had changed. He organized a meal for all of them, but ordered that Benjamin, his younger brother, be given larger rations than the others (Gen. 43:33, 34). However, there is no evidence that his brothers were envious. Rather, they showed genuine interest in Benjamin and his father, Jacob (Gen. 44: 30-34). Joseph's brothers overcame envy, and so they succeeded in bringing peace to reign in the family again (Gen. 45: 4, 15). Similarly, if we uproot any inclination towards envy,
According to James 3:17, 18, what will happen if we contribute to a peaceful environment?
Jehovah wants us to fight envy and promote peace. To achieve this, we must work hard, because, as we have seen in this article, we have a tendency to feel envy (James 4: 5). Furthermore, we live in a world where this harmful feeling is encouraged. But if we cultivate humility and appreciation, and are satisfied with what we have, we will leave no room for envy. Rather, we will contribute to a peaceful environment and cultivate the good qualities that we have discussed in this article (read James 3:17, 18).
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