Envy can be a very dangerous thing. Starting out with good intentions and even dwelling on the thought that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, we can sometimes end complaining why others seems to be more blessed and more gifted than we are when we are all the children of one God. And all too often, bouts of envy lead on to feelings of self-pity. One who is envious and wallowing in self-pity is also very likely to gloat over the misfortunes of others. This gloating in self-righteousness in only a step away from pride and selfishness. Just as one act of kindness ripples out in waves of goodness, one act of envy can throw me into the quicksand of sin.
This is the paradox in the spiritual life. It is in giving that we receive; it is in forgiving that we are pardoned; it is dying that we are born to eternal life. In the life of the spirit, less is more; the last shall be first; the poor shall be rich; the meek shall inherit the land and to increase I must decrease.
John answered, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:22-30