Read Genesis 4:1-16 & Genesis 20:17

The story of Cain and Able is a tragic story of both envy and murder. And just like Cain, we too can easily be caught up in wanting what has not been given to us but has been given to another person. In the 10th commandment God clearly warns us to not covet anything of our neighbors and envying others violates that simple commandment.

• Describe a time you were really “green with envy.”
• Have you recently compared yourself, your home, or your work with someone else’s? How did you measure up?

Envy also causes us to begin resenting the success, accomplishments or blessings of others. In doing so we often begin to discredit or wish misfortune upon those around us instead of celebrating those blessings or achievements. We even become blind to our own blessings and begin to believe that God’s doesn’t love or approve of us or our lives. Both are destroyers of relationships and faith.

• When you see someone else’s success are you more likely to celebrate with them or in your mind begin to discredit them and their accomplishments? Why?
• What are some of your life blessings you tend to overlook? Why have you become blind to them?

Read John 15:16. The opposite or antidote to envy is gratitude. Because we are prone to be envious we must always nurture the attitude of gratitude. The first step in nurturing gratitude is to celebrate who we are and believe that God has created us for a purpose and with a perfect plan. John Wesley once said, “To wish to be the person you aren’t is to waste the person you are.”

• How hard is it for you to really celebrate who God created you to be?
• Do you truly believe God has a perfect plan for you?

Read Philippians 4:19. The second way we nurture gratitude is to fully trust in God’s provision and blessing for our lives. The God who deeply loves us gives us all exactly what we need when we need it. True trust however, can only come when we grow in our relationship with God by seeking his face and not his hand. Security if found in the relationship not the ‘presents or punishments’ I might receive from what I’ve done instead of who or who’s I am.

• Does your devotional and prayer time reflect more of seeking God’s hand or face?
• In nurturing you attitude of gratitude which do you need to work on the most:
___Celebrating who God created you to be
___Trusting in God’s provision and blessing
___Seeking God face and not God’s hand

• How will you begin to do that this week?