Love With All Your Heart.....series chapter 3

Sorry for such a LONG break - over two months of a break. But anyway - Now I plan to continue this series and continue on with this book. I hope it is a blessing to each of you. :0)

Love With All Your Heart

 

3

Love is contented: never envious or jealous.

Susan came from and impoverished background, and she was still deprived of the luxuries of life. Her husband couldn't seem to find steady employment, and they were struggling financially. Susan somehow felt she deserved better. It seemed as though all her friends had an abundance of material possessions. They wore the latest fashions, had their hair done, drove new cars, and were able to entertain with elaborate display. But Susan had none of these luxuries, and she was miserable. She spent hours pouring over mail order catalogues, imagining what it would be like to have this or that fancy item. Because she was embarrassed at her simple home, she never invited anyone over. And she definitely avoided anyone in her same financial status because she wanted to be identified with the "successful" crowd. The entired thrust of her energies was spent on trying to make a good impression and present an illusion of affluence.

Then one day Susan came face to face with the claims of God's love as found in the Bible.

 

Love does not envy. 1 Corinthians 13:4

 

 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5

 

 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

 

    For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.   

  James 3:16

 

      Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.   

Philippians 4:11,12

 

    A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.   

Proverbs 14:30

 

Love is contented and thankful in all situations.

Love is not envious of others' good fortune and jealous of others' attention, recognitions, or accomplishments.

Love is not covetous of others' possessions or status in life.

Love brings with it no resentment or bitterness.

Love always rejoices at the blessing of others and earnestly desires their happiness.

Love does not take advantage of others.

Love is not greedy, dishonest, or underhanded.

Love will bring a restful, contented state of mine and willingly promotes the welfare of others without resentment and selfish motives.

Love is freedom from the destructive bondage of envy and all that it brings.