Envy is a sin, Jealousy is not: Catholic Perspective
Envy and jealousy are often used interchangeably, but let’s look at them from a Catholic perspective to understand why one is sinful while the other can lead to virtue.
Jealousy: protectiveness over what you already have.
Envy: wanting something you do not have.
Feeling jealous can open the door to love because it reveals that something is threatening your relationship, whether with God or others. As a result, your response should reflect the desire to protect the gifts given to you out of love for the other, not selfish possessiveness.
If you dwell in selfishness and pride, thinking you DESERVE what you have, you can fall into the world of envy.
What is Envy?
Envy arises when you desire something that does not belong to you. It could be a better lifestyle, material possessions, people’s unconditional time and attention, or God’s omnipotence.
As Christians, we should express gratitude for the gifts that God places in our hands. He trusts us to care for them well. However, when we neglect or misuse our gifts, jealousy builds up in our hearts as a reaction to our innate desire to love our gifts.
Matthew 25: How to treat the Gifts from God
It’s a wake-up call to value what we have. We are called to live like the servants entrusted with the possessions of their master. Two doubled the talents their master gave, while one kept it away in a safe space.
The master returns to collect his possessions and praises the servants who made more from what they were entrusted with, saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
To the other, he criticizes, takes away the talent, and sends him into the darkness. His actions were lazy and fearful, not faithful.
Likewise, everything God has given us is a gift, and we should treat everything with love, especially human beings.
No matter the status of the relationship, we should strive to do what is best for that person simply because they are a precious gift. So, if you start feeling jealous, take it to the Lord and ask him to help you see where you are not loving this beloved child of his as he has asked you to.
But the most crucial part is understanding you don’t own those gifts. They belong to the Lord, and he can collect them and distribute them as best suited to his kingdom.
Remember that God remains in control when that desire creeps in to possess something (or someone) that is not yours. He knows why you aren’t responsible for loving that gift through possession. And even if your broken human nature selfishly wishes to have it, remember that gifts cannot be earned or deserved.
Elevate Jealousy, Renounce Envy
In closing, allow jealousy to be the glasses that refocus your attention on how to love. Repant from envy so you may be free to love as God intends, not driven by pride.
Rejoice in the gifts you do have.
Celebrate the gifts of others.
Above all, pray that the Holy Spirit may ignite your desire to love out of gratitude and goodness. Keep others in your prayers so they may also grow to understand that virtue!
Prayers to grow in virtue and renounce envy:
Audrey Assad’s I Shall Not Want song!