Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Those Who Envy Us

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Intercessory prayer, a profound expression of love and compassion, is a vital aspect of Christian life. It involves praying on behalf of others, seeking God's intervention, guidance, and blessings for them. One of the more challenging yet spiritually rewarding forms of intercessory prayer is praying for those who envy us. Envy, a destructive emotion, can lead to strife and discord, and as followers of Christ, we are called to respond with grace and prayer.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to pray for those who harbor ill feelings, including envy. Jesus Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This command extends to those who envy us, as envy can often manifest in actions that resemble persecution or hostility.

The Nature of Envy

Envy is a sin that is condemned in Scripture. It is listed among the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, which warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Envy can lead to bitterness and resentment, both for the one who envies and the one who is envied. James 3:16 states, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice."

Praying for Those Who Envy Us

Praying for those who envy us is an act of spiritual maturity and obedience to God's Word. It requires humility and a heart aligned with God's love and mercy. In praying for those who envy us, we seek their deliverance from the bondage of envy and ask God to bless them abundantly, transforming their hearts and minds.

1. Pray for Their Spiritual Growth: Ask God to open their eyes to His truth and to fill them with His Spirit, leading them away from envy and towards the fruits of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

2. Pray for Their Blessings: Intercede for their well-being and success, asking God to provide for their needs and to grant them contentment and joy in their own lives. This reflects the heart of Christ, who desires that all may experience His fullness.

3. Pray for Reconciliation: Seek God's intervention in restoring relationships that may have been damaged by envy. Pray for opportunities to demonstrate Christ-like love and forgiveness, fostering peace and unity.

4. Pray for Protection Against Envy's Effects: Ask God to shield both yourself and the one who envies you from the negative effects of envy, such as bitterness, division, and strife. Pray for wisdom and discernment in handling situations that arise from envy.

Examples from Scripture

The account of Joseph and his brothers is a poignant example of dealing with envy. Joseph's brothers envied him for his favored status and dreams, leading them to sell him into slavery (Genesis 37:11). Despite their actions, Joseph later forgave them and provided for them during a famine, demonstrating a heart of compassion and forgiveness (Genesis 50:20-21).

Similarly, David faced envy from King Saul, who sought to kill him out of jealousy for his success and popularity (1 Samuel 18:8-9). David, however, consistently showed respect and refused to harm Saul, trusting in God's justice and timing.

Conclusion

Intercessory prayer for those who envy us is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and reconciliation. By lifting them up in prayer, we align ourselves with God's will, allowing His love to transform hearts and mend relationships. Through prayer, we become conduits of God's grace, extending His mercy and compassion to those in need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 12:13
And Moses cried to the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

One of Paul's Prayers
... is inexhaustible instruction in our Lord's Intercessory Prayer; but we ... And God forbid
that we should sin against ... contracts and concentrates this prayer of his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... for ever in a passion or a prayer.' But he ... When our father Abraham offered his son
Isaac on the ... wisdom which teachers of the church especially should covet and ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm