Devotion: “Rooted in Grace, Not Envy"

🌳 **Devotion: “Rooted in Grace, Not Envy”**  

*Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Charity envieth not.”*

**Opening Thought:**  

Just like a tree needs deep, healthy roots to grow strong, our hearts need to be rooted in God’s love to bear fruit. But when envy, bitterness, and comparison take root, our joy withers. This devotion helps us name those “root sins” and surrender them to the One who gives grace instead.

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**Scripture Seeds – From the KJV 1611:**

1. **1 Corinthians 13:4**  

> *“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”*

   This verse shows what love looks like when God is at the center. Envy has no place where true love abides.

2. **Proverbs 14:30**  

> *“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”*

   Envy doesn’t just hurt others—it drains *us*. It’s like poison hiding deep in the root system.

3. **James 3:16**  

> *“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”*

   Jealousy brings chaos, not peace. God wants better for His children.

4. **Genesis 37:4** (Joseph’s story)  

> *“And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.”*

   Jealousy destroyed peace in Joseph’s family, but God would later redeem it all.

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**Reflection Prompts (Optional Writing or Prayer Activity):**  

- What “jealous thoughts” have I been hiding in my heart like tangled roots?  

- What truth from God’s Word can I plant in its place today?  

- How can I celebrate someone else’s blessings without comparing myself?

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**Prayer:**  

*Heavenly Father, uproot every bit of envy, bitterness, and comparison growing in me. I want to be a tree planted by the rivers of Your grace, bearing fruit in love, joy, and peace. Help me to rejoice with others and trust that You have a good plan for me, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.*

🌳 **Devotion Handout: “Rooted in Grace”**  

*Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Charity envieth not.” (KJV 1611)*

Truth from the Trunk:**  

God’s love—*true charity*—is strong, steady, and never jealous. His love doesn’t envy what others have. Instead, it celebrates, forgives, and uplifts.

> *“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not…”*  

> — *1 Corinthians 13:4*

Uproot the Roots**  

Look at the roots on your coloring page:  

- *Envy* (wanting what someone else has)  

- *Comparison* (measuring your worth against others)  

- *Bitterness* (resenting someone’s blessings)

Ask:  

➤ Which of these roots do I sometimes let grow in my heart?  

➤ How does it feel when someone else is blessed?  

➤ What would happen if I celebrated others instead of comparing?

🌼 **Grow the Good Fruit**  

God wants us to bloom with blessings:

> *“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”*  

> — *Proverbs 14:30*

Instead of rottenness, let’s grow things like:  

- *Gratitude*  

- *Forgiveness*  

- *Kindness*  

- *Joy*

🙏 **Prayer to Plant Grace**

As you color the branches of your tree, pray for God to help you bloom with grace instead of grumbling.

  *Lord, I don’t want to live with jealousy in my heart.  

Uproot my envy, bitterness, and comparison.  

Help me grow in love, like a tree planted by Your waters.  

Let my life show patience, kindness, and joy.  

Thank You for loving me and teaching me how to love others, too. Amen.*

Susan Y Nikitenko June 16th, 2025©

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