"Epicaricacy"
I learned a new word.
But I hope I won't be guilty of it.
This word means: "Rejoicing at or deriving pleasure from the misfortunes of others."
Our fallen human nature sometimes derives pleasure from the pain of our enemies. Even worse, jealousy can cause us to enjoy the misfortune of people who are not our enemies.
Even if a person deserves their misfortune (Galatians 6:7), God does not want us to rejoice. And He certainly doesn't want us to rejoice at the suffering of someone we envy.
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them." Proverbs 24:17-18
God is interested in the attitudes of our heart. He expects us to show mercy, returning good for evil (Romans 12:14-21).
Today take a moment and ask God to reveal any envy, jealousy or epicaricacy you might be feeling toward others.
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For more on this subject, see Romans 12:14-21: A Crazy Idea and Dealing with Selfish People.
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Wow - So much to learn from Gods Word...
ReplyDeleteGood article.
ReplyDeleteUh oh. Thank you. I recall being guilty of this a few times. Didn't know this.
ReplyDeletesadly I've been guilty of this, especially regarding a business competitor. Thank you for the reminder. This wont happen again.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I am guilty of this. WOW, i never stop learning from God's Words.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this devotional. It is a stumbling block for me at times. It's good to put a name to it and pray for forgiveness and be intentional about consulting God for the remedy of this root of bitterness in my heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lord for reminding me of my behavior...Help me Lord to be an excellent person.
DeleteThe Encyclopedia of Early Christianity defines EPICUREANISM: the eradication of fear through scientific or natural understanding of the world. Based on HEDONISM (goal of life being pleasure) and ATONISM (world is composed if atoms and space). Epicurius began the topic in 341 B.C.-270 B.C. referring to De Natura Deorum. Cicero opposed it in 106 B.C.-43 B.C. Christian Padres declared it an enemy of Christianity due tothe denial of benevolent and concerned divinity established.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lord for revealing a flaw in my human.
ReplyDeleteI pray it was released from my heart and soul. Please show me myself it it rears again.
Amen
You've taken the most important step, LD: confession. And God definitely will help you overcome this sin. God bless you. I've prayed for you.
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