Ellet J. Waggoner
“Love does not envy” (1 Cor. 13:4). It is a great thing when one has learned, with Paul, in whatsoever state he is, therewith to be content. The Greek word here used is not the classic word for envy, but a word signifying “eager rivalry, zealous imitation, emulation,” and the thing meant by it was considered among the Greeks, as it commonly is now, as a “noble passion.” It is opposed, however, to love. In the perfect state, whatever one desires and strives after is for its own sake, because its possession is necessary to fit one for service, wholly regardless of whether others possess it or not. The perfect Christian attitude toward every other one is that expressed by John the Baptist toward Christ: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30)
The Present Truth 30, 45 (November 18, 1904), p. 720.