In a world often marked by competition and comparison, Pastor Daniel Donald Mukuye brought a timely reminder during Sunday’s service at Full Gospel Church Makerere — that love and benevolence are the antidotes to envy. Preaching from 1 Corinthians 13, Pastor Mukuye built upon earlier sermons delivered by Pastor Fred Wantante on the subject of envy, urging believers to go beyond recognising envy’s dangers to actively living out its cure. “If you embrace love and benevolence,” he said, “envy will lose its grip on your life. Love for your neighbour is both a command and a vaccine against jealousy.”
A Continuation of a Timely Word
The message followed a recent series addressing the “jealous God” and the corrosive effects of envy. Pastor Mukuye explained that while envy is almost universal — likening it to a cold or flu everyone catches at some point — it can be overcome through two “doses”: love and benevolence. He defined love as “looking at another person and seeing yourself in them” and benevolence as “desiring good for others.” Drawing from his father’s words at his graduation — “Our children must be better than us” — he highlighted the selfless joy in wanting others to excel.
Gifts Meant to Complement, Not Compete
Using 1 Corinthians 12 as a foundation, Pastor Mukuye reminded the congregation that God Himself distributes different gifts according to His will. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers — each role is necessary and none is superior. “Your gift is nothing without love,” he said, warning against pride and competition within the body of Christ. He illustrated how, in the early church, evangelists, apostles, and prophets worked together to spread the gospel, plant churches, and ground believers in truth.
Lessons from Jonathan and David
A key example came from the friendship between Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18–23). Although Jonathan was heir to the throne, he celebrated David’s victories and even protected him from King Saul’s wrath. Jonathan, Pastor Mukuye noted, understood that “there is enough room for all of us to thrive.” He saw David’s success as his own and refused to let ambition destroy their bond.
Rejecting the Cain-Abel Spirit
Referencing the rivalry between Cain and Abel, Pastor Mukuye cautioned against the mindset that another’s success means your loss. “Your neighbour’s acceptance does not mean your rejection,” he said. “God has ample space for all of us — both in Heaven and here on Earth.” He urged believers to focus on their God-given assignments rather than fight for positions or recognition, pointing to Jesus’ assurance in John 14:2 that there are “many rooms” in His Father’s house.
Practical Expressions of Love
Pastor Mukuye challenged the congregation to demonstrate love in tangible ways — visiting those they haven’t seen in a while, giving gifts, praying for others’ prosperity, and even blessing those who have wronged them. Quoting 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, he reminded believers that love is patient, kind, and never envious. “True love,” he concluded, “overcomes pride, selfishness, and anger. It never fails.”
A Call to Action
Closing his message, Pastor Mukuye invited everyone to reflect on their relationships: Is there someone I’ve refused to forgive? Have I withheld good from someone out of jealousy or resentment? “Declare love for your neighbour and pray for them,” he urged. “Pray for their establishment in faith and for their success. In doing so, you fulfil the law of Christ and reveal to the world that you are His disciple.”
Watch the full sermon here: