Pastor Danny Wolford’s sermon is based on Matthew 20:1–16, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. In this story, a landowner hires workers at different times of the day, yet pays them all the same wage at the end. Some workers complain it isn’t fair, but the landowner (representing God) asks if they are envious because he is generous.

Pastor Danny highlights 1 Corinthians 13:4, where the Apostle Paul writes that real love does not envy. According to the sermon, envy is defined as “resenting God’s goodness to others and ignoring God’s goodness to me.” Pastor Danny explains that envy is a hidden but powerful sin that quietly disrupts our ability to love people the way God wants us to.

He reminds us of John 13:34 –35, where Jesus commands us to love one another so the world will know we are His disciples—not through what we wear or even by attending church, but by genuine love for one another.

1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

   • Referencing James 3:16 , Pastor Danny shows how comparison leads to envy and disorder. When people keep looking at what others have, they either end up proud (“I’m better”) or envious (“They have it better”). Both can destroy our contentment.

2. Enjoy God’s Grace—Even When It’s Given to Others

   • In Matthew 20:10 –11, the first workers compare themselves to the latecomers and begin to complain. Pastor Danny points out that we need to rejoice when God is generous to others. He also uses Romans 12:15 (“Rejoice with those who rejoice”) to remind us that true Christian love is happy for other people’s blessings instead of feeling jealous.

3. Be Grateful for What You Have

   • Pastor Danny references 1 Corinthians 4:7–8 (The Message) to show that everything we have is a gift from God. He also cites Ecclesiastes 6:9, which teaches it is better to be satisfied with what we currently have than to always want something else. He stresses the difference between healthy dreams or goals and envy, which is discontentment with our own blessings.

4. Trust God When Life Seems Unfair

   • Envy often arises when we feel someone is getting a better deal. In the sermon, Pastor Danny reminds us of Philippians 4:11 , where Paul says he has learned to be content in every situation. He encourages us to trust that God sees the bigger picture. If God blesses someone in a way that seems “unfair” to us, we need to believe that He still loves us deeply and knows our needs.

5. Keep Focused on God’s Unique Plan for You

   • Pastor Danny uses Hebrews 12:1 to illustrate that every believer has a “particular race” to run. Instead of looking around at other people’s successes, we focus on what God has called us to do. He references Psalm 139:15 , pointing out that God formed each of us with a specific purpose before we were born. When we focus on our calling, we don’t have time to envy others.

Pastor Danny also briefly references the thieves on the cross (Luke 23:39 –43) as an example of God’s generous grace. One thief turns to Jesus at the last moment and is promised paradise. Even if that seems “unfair” by human standards, God is free to grant mercy however He pleases.

Pastor Danny closes by reminding listeners that envy robs us of joy and damages our relationships. He points out that when we envy someone, we’re essentially arguing with God’s wisdom and generosity. Instead, we should rest in the truth that God loves us, He knows our needs, and He created us uniquely. “Love Does Not Envy” calls us to celebrate other people’s blessings, stay grateful for our own, and trust God’s plan through it all.