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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: A conference speaker addressed a large audience at a popular college campus about the effects of social media and asked the crowd to consider whether they felt jealousy toward others. To her surprise, a majority raised their hands. While she didn’t expect a visual response, the young people quickly acknowledged that jealousy was an issue that darkened their souls and was pricked often by competing with people unknown to them through social media sites. Why does jealousy have such a hold on people, and is it possible to rid oneself of it? – J.H.

Dear J.H.: Envying those who are more prosperous than we are does not add one dollar to our assets, but it bankrupts the soul. Envious people somehow feel that other people’s fortunes are their misfortune, that their successes are their failure, or that others’ good appearances overshadow their own lacking. The question must be asked: Who profits by being envious of others? But multitudes are cursed by it.

It is difficult to have a heart for other people when the heart overflows with envy. The Bible says, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30, NKJV).

Envy is not a defensive weapon; it is an offensive instrument used in spiritual ambush. It wounds for the sake of causing hurt. “Tell me,” said the willow to the thorn, “why are you so envious of the clothes of those who pass by? Of what use can they be to you?” “None whatsoever,” replied the thorn. “I have no desire to wear them – I only want to tear them.” Resentment over what others have is sin.

How like that thorn is the envious person, reaching out to destroy others without bringing any profit to self. Envy is a boomerang-like weapon that hurts the attacker more than the attacked. God cannot bless us as long as we cling to sin that so easily besets.

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)