Coveting

[Nico]

was wondering if anyone knew of some bible verses that talk about how to stop wanting what is not yours to have. or advice as to how to do that. i guess my situation is that i fell in love w/a guy. who fell in love with me. but his ex-girlfriend came back to him--she was the one who got away. she told him she had made a mistake and wanted him back. he went back to her. and now i'm left here, still in-love with him, wishing that bad things would happen between them, wishing he'd realize that he's really in love with me, wishing things that cannot be nor will ever be. and i realized i'm coveting my neighbor's boyfriend and it is costing me peace. so. if there are some bible verses as to how to train your heart to stop coveting, i'd be sooooooo much appreciative. i'm ready to move on.

 

[KeilCoppes]

Hi Nico. There aren't any specific how-to's on coveting, but some general helps in the same direction:

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:7
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Col 3
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

(not specific helps, but realizing that covetousness is idolatry made a difference for me - either I got my mind straight or I was unconsciously making the issue an idol).

2 Thes 2
15Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

(it is God who is the force in establishing and strengthening us in doing the right things - a comfort and encouragement)
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Hope it helps. Girls can step up to the plate just as men can. What was the biggest help for me was to realize that either I trusted what God had done or was doing or I was flat out false about it. I know it's a challenge, but that warmth down in your heart of absolutely knowing God's greatness washes out the other things. Looking at God's glory in scripture, glorying in Him, and being in thankfulness for the blessings He has given - that fills the area that the covetousness is trying to fill. Make sure you get some fellowship that isn't focused on being single as well. Praise God - there's a higher focus in life. If there weren't we'd be lost. Again, hope it helps.