Facebook Envy

Spoiler Alert: Please don’t unfriend me…

Have you ever been green with Facebook envy? I know I can’t be the only one struggling with looking at pictures of tropical islands in the dead of winter, couples being in love, children and grandchildren graduating with highest honors…and these are my friends!

Okay I confess…I’ve been guilty of Facebook envy. I’m saved, sanctified, used by God in great ways, blessed beyond measure…and yet there it is—envy. It never lasts long at all, but sometimes it pops up an ugly face without warning.

Let’s be real…confessing my fault is the first step to coming out of it. I’ve learned that Facebook photos don’t tell the whole story either. For all we know behind that same palm tree, families were fighting right before the photo shot or perhaps they just came out of a wonderful group hug.

What does it matter?

It’s a beautiful way of sharing what is right with life at that particular moment in time. There’s plenty of heartbreaking and depressing news on the Internet for us everyday. How refreshing it is to witness a wonderful moment in the lives of my friends! In truth, the envy isn’t really directed towards others as much as myself. Note to self: don’t look at Facebook when having a down day.

What does scripture teach us in Romans 12:15?

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

I do rejoice with my brothers and sisters who’ve overcome many trials to stay in love for decades, with those who are blessed to get away for a much needed vacation, and with the success stories of their families. The same God who blessed them also lavishes His favor on me in His perfect timing and will.

There really is no room for envy in the lives of believers. We are blessed if the only thing God ever did for us was to send His Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins. It’s enough.

There’s great blessing on the lives of those who rejoice and mourn together in this lifetime. I love my sisters who rejoice with me in the good times and cry with me in the bad times.

Joy is evident in the Facebook photos because the Lord is working all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. So smile!