The Difference between Envy and Jealousy

Most people think that envy and jealousy are the same. On the contrary they are different. Envy occurs when a person lacks another person’s superior quality, achievement, or possession, and desires it, by contrast, occurs in the context of a close relationship when a person fears losing a loved one to a rival or a relationship that is important to one’s sense of self. And since it involves the loss of a personal relationship, it’s usually more intense than envy. Both envy and jealousy spring from a lack of self-acceptance, inner security and trust that God will enable you to have and achieve just what He wants you to have. Envy is a refusal to be satisfied with God’s gift of grace to you.

Jealousy and envy can occur at the same time. For example, when you’re romantic partner gives attention to an attractive rival, you may feel both jealous of that attention and envious of the rival for being attractive. Here are their differences:

ENVY · Feeling of inferiority · Longing · Resentment of circumstances · Ill feelings toward envied person often accompanied by guilt about these feelings · Motivation to improve · Desire to possess the attractive rival’s qualities · Disapproval of feelings JEALOUSY · Fear of loss · Anxiety · Suspicion or anger about betrayal · Low self-esteem and sadness over loss · Uncertainty and loneliness · Fear of losing an important person to an attractive other · Distrust