Pursue Peace by Fighting Envy - "PURSUE THE THINGS MAKING FOR PEACE"

Peace cannot survive if envy is allowed to thrive. We need to weed out envy from our own heart and avoid planting feelings of envy in others.  We must take these important steps if we are to obey Jehovah's command to "pursue the things making for peace and the things that build one another up." (Romans 14:19)  What specifically can we  do to help others fight envy, and how can we promoted peace? 

Our attitude and actions can have a big influence on others.  The world wants us to make a "showy display" of the things we own.  (1 John 2:16) But that attitude promotes envy.  We can avoid nurturing envy in others if we choose not to talk about the things we own or plan to buy,  Another way we can avoid  promoting envy is by being modest about the privileges we have in the congregation.  If we draw attention to the privileges that we have, we create fertile ground in which envy can grow.  By contrast, when we show genuine personal interest in others and acknowledge the good that they do, we help them  feel content and we promote unity and peace in the congregation.

We can win the battle against envy! Consider again  the example of Joseph's brothers. Years after they had mistreated Joseph, they met him in Egypt.  Before Joseph revealed his real identity to his brothers, he tested them to find out if they had changed.  He arranged a meal at which he gave the youngest brother,  Benjamin, significantly more attention than he gave to the others.  (Genesis 43:33, 34)  Yet, there is no indication that his brothers became envious of Benjamin. Instead, they showed genuine concern for their brother and for their father, Jacob.  (Genesis 44:30, 34)  Because Joseph's brothers had let go of envy, they were able to help restore peace in their family.  (Genesis 45:4, 15)  Similarly, if we uproot any feelings of envy, we will help to keep our family and our congregation peaceful.

 Jehovah wants us to fight envy and to pursue peace.  We must work hard to do both of those things.  As discussed in this article, we have a tendency to envy. (James 4:5) And we are surrounded   by a world that promotes envy.  But if we cultivate humility, contentment, and appreciation, we will leave no room for envy.  Instead, we will help to create a peaceful environment in which righteous fruit can grow. - JAMES  3:17, 18.

Next time:Let Jehovah Soothe You

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