Overcoming Envy and Dealing with Jealousy

Envy and jealousy sneakily gain control of our minds. They don’t feel like other sins that give at least a brief moment of gratification, so it’s easy to dismiss these disordered thoughts. In this video, Fr. Mike explains why we need to focus in on whatever jealousy or envy we may have in our lives, because it could inhibit our relationship with God. The remedy he shares is a reminder of who we are in God’s eyes, which is all that matters.

Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:

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SOCIAL MEDIA

[angelkate]

I'm in a situation right now where I get so annoyed with what my friends have not realizing I've already started to envy them. I am so sad that they have this life that I don't have. So angry that I was born in a poor family. My heart feels so heavy with sadness and anger. I feel so bad right now because they are my friends. I should be happy of what they have. Listening to this story again reminds me to always be grateful of what I have. My heart is so heavy but I feel like there's an elephant's foot taken out of my chest. I'm glad I watched this video. God really has so many amazing ways giving us answers to our questions ❤️

[kelkabot]

I wept. I struggle with so much bitterness at being 54 and never married. This was just what I needed. Thank you, Father Mike.

[phdstudio]

Another rememdy is to pray for the person you are envious of. I tell people there is no way you will be jealous of someone you sincerely pray for.🤗

[saraperez]

Fr. Mike, I loved how you mentioned that envy is the only sin in which there is no pleasure involved.

[marilynmelzian]

I struggled with this a lot a number of years ago. I found one cure for envy is to praise the person you are envying, genuinely praised them. I did this and my envy disappeared.

[treehugger]

I've never heard envy described as a "sadness", but it's so true. I'm sad that I'm not good at anything and I'm not who I want to be, but it leads me to intense, anger-inducing envy. I feel slighted, and like you said "blinded to my own blessings". I don't wanna see them, because then I won't have an excuse to covet so much. It's such a terrible sin, but it feels so hard to overcome when you're low and behind and can't succeed at anything. This really hit home.

[True_Media_Global]

1. Be happy for someone been blessed by God with things
2. Be aware of things God have blessed you with
3. Be grateful for everything God have blessed you with
4. Place yourself under the gaze of the God for He loves you His unique way

[Pfabpfab]

This man actually managed to give me comfort in a time of intense envy and jealousy while giving me, a non-religious person, real life solutions that work for anyone. Even therapists cant do that very often. So eloquently spoken.

[Theodorik]

I'm not a religious man, sorry if that disappoints, but your advice and wisdom has been a tremendous help in some difficult times in my life. This channel is a shining example of what the catholic or any other church should be. Thank you again father.

[AndersHolmenScott]

I really needed to hear that today, Father Mike. I'm a methodist and not Catholic, but truly you are a man of faith and joy. Thank you

[db-erig]

So I was eating my dinner while watching this and all of the sudden started crying like crazy.

[ShivW]

Hi Fr and the internet, can I ask you to please pray for me as I'm struggling with envy. I recently finished university and have had no luck so far with job hunting although some friends of mine have recently gotten jobs. It's also a very frustrating time for me. So please pray for me, thank you.

[chip]

studying the deadly sins is what led me back to the church

[carlos_retiz]

This came in handy for singles on Valentines day

[Tee]

Praying to be delivered from envy and jealousy. In the night name of Jesus. Amen!

[charmendro]

I have been struggling a lot lately with this I’m glad I seen this. Makes me feel as if God put this here to let me know He knows my struggles and is going to help me

[rafaelaflancia]

"The remedy for envy is placing yourself under the gaze of the Father." 😢

[pylprincess]

Thank you Father!!! I have been struggling with envy of my married friend. I am single & want to be married someday too. I will will try harder to get overcome that horrible feeling & focus on my own blessings

[Valdrag]

When you define it so accurately, envy does sound rather silly

[kenshinjd]

I'm not one to entertain jealousy or envy but when it comes oh how it loves to make itself at home. I try and distract myself with other thoughts on what I'd like to pursue. Anyway bottom line is it ain't easy to deal with but I'll take what Father Mike has said and put it to practice