Finally, envy is a sin against the Holy Spirit because it was through Satan’s envy that death entered the world. .... One must accept the blessings God has given him rather than look at how God has blessed another and desire that for himself.
Funny thing (not ha-ha funny). I grew up poor. Not today's phony poor but real, old fashioned, 'poor'. The patches on my jeans had patches. And one thing I never had was envy of my playmates or even (cough) relatives who had 'more stuff'. We just didn't live or think that way. We had 'x' and others had 'x+2' and that was that.
And in hindsight being poor was actually a good thing for me. As it 'encouraged me' to work hard, or harder, so I would never again have to be 'poor'. What I had, I earned but NOT at the expense of others ( I saw that game played and loathed it). Along with that was learning things on my own and that I was able to do due to my immediate family. Plus some GOOD teachers (Chi Public Schools no less) who taught us how to learn, and not only what was being taught in class but to expand our knowledge and/or interests.
And today, at 63 yo, I still haven't been bit by that Green Monster called 'Envy'.
Now we have 'x+2', but some have 'x+5', 'x+25', or even x+108 -- and good for them. God bless 'em.
I could sure be envious of someone without this plantar faciitis pain. I don’t think I have ever dealt with anything so painful in my whole life. Even childbirth.
I’m trying to offer it up, often in tears.
Thanks for your prayers.