Envy...another kick at unity
James 3:13 - 17 contains one of the most powerful disclaimers against envy found in scripture...and links it hand in hand with disunity, discord and lack of peace in the Body. Considering that the early church in Acts were "all in one accord" (Acts 3:42-45) unified in their devotion to Christ and service to one another, one assumes that envy had not taken hold to dis-unite them. As a result, the early church saw incredible fruit...thousands of people saved in such short time, along with miracles, signs, and wonders. My Ungers Bible Dictionary defines envy as "that malignant passion that sees in another qualities that it covets, often resulting in hate of their possessor". Is it not evident that envy that manifested in hatred sent Jesus to the cross? Matthew 27:18 says "for he knew (Pilate) it was out of envy that they (the Pharisees) handed Jesus over to him". Envy kills...Cain was envious of Abel's relationship with God. ...