Green-Eyed and Tongue-Tied

If you have ever received an award or distinction of honor for something you’ve done or created, you’ve probably experienced a wonderful feeling of validation and appreciation. Most people react with earnest and hearty congratulations. But there are others—the kinds of folks who see your success as their failure.

They sniff and say things like, “I got an award or two like that years ago. I should really submit an entry next year,” as if to imply that the only reason someone like you won is because they didn’t enter. They spit up envy, jealousy, and insecurity on your good news and treat your trophy or award like you got it out of a gumball machine.

Sweet Spoonful: An individual who is green with envy is so self-absorbed that they can never stop comparing themselves to others and feeling like God has somehow shortchanged them by blessing someone else. The best response is to bless them even though they curse you (Luke 6:28) and be gracious, kind, and loving. Compliment them for that award they won ten thousand years ago, move on, and pray that God will fix what is broken in that sad-hearted person.