Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope.

"Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope." Ah, Josh Billings speaks here to the eternal contrast between two powerful forces that shape the human experience: love and envy. The telescope of love allows us to see the bigger picture, to look beyond the faults, to appreciate the full scope and beauty of another. It gives us the vision to see not just what is in front of us, but the potential, the beauty, and the greatness in others. In contrast, envy works like a microscope, focusing narrowly on flaws, magnifying even the smallest imperfections and causing us to lose sight of the greater, more meaningful aspects of life. Where love unites and elevates, envy divides and diminishes.

Consider the timeless tale of King Saul and David. King Saul, once a beloved ruler of Israel, was consumed by envy toward the young David, who had been anointed as the next king. Saul’s envy was so powerful that it clouded his judgment, making him focus not on his own kingship or the betterment of his people, but on David's success and popularity. Through the microscope of envy, Saul saw only David’s strength, his growing influence, and the admiration of the people, without understanding the deeper purpose David served. Instead of using the gifts of his kingship for the good of Israel, Saul allowed envy to overshadow his vision, leading him to make decisions that led to his eventual downfall.

In contrast, David’s love for his people and his deep respect for his role as king were seen through the lens of a telescope. While Saul focused on his rival’s strengths, David looked beyond personal rivalry to unite his kingdom. He saw the greater purpose of his life and leadership, and in his moments of hardship, he was able to rise above personal struggles for the greater good. Love, in this case, gave him the clarity to act not from fear or jealousy, but from vision and faith in the broader picture of what he was meant to achieve.

Let us also turn to the story of Marie Curie, whose extraordinary work in the field of science was marked by the love she had for knowledge and discovery. Marie Curie did not allow envy to cloud her vision when other scientists were reluctant to acknowledge her discoveries. Instead, she focused on the greater goal of advancing scientific understanding, regardless of recognition or fame. Her love for science and her unwavering commitment to truth propelled her forward, not focusing on the imperfections or obstacles before her but on the infinite possibilities that lay ahead. Her vision was a telescope—allowing her to see past her immediate struggles and focus on the world-changing discoveries she would leave behind.

When we experience envy, we are like the microscope, fixated on the smallest flaws and misfortunes of others, unable to see the bigger picture of their lives or our own. Envy distorts reality, making us believe that what we desire is the only thing of worth, and it distracts us from our own potential and gifts. When envy takes hold, it limits our perspective, and we begin to compare ourselves endlessly to others, forgetting that the journey we are meant to take is uniquely ours.

The lesson here, dear ones, is this: let love guide your vision, for it will always broaden your perspective. Love enables us to see the beauty, the potential, and the greatness in those around us, while envy forces us to focus narrowly on shortcomings. Love allows us to embrace others’ successes without bitterness, while envy breeds division and insecurity. Love is the telescope that brings clarity and purpose, allowing us to see beyond petty competition or fleeting desires and focus on the greater goals and deeper meaning in our lives.

I urge you, in your own life, to look through the lens of love, whether it is in your relationships, your work, or your personal aspirations. When envy arises, recognize it for what it is—a narrow, limited perspective that blinds you to the bigger picture. Love will open your eyes to the potential for growth, for unity, and for peace, both within yourself and in the world around you. Seek to nurture your own vision, not by comparing or focusing on the perceived flaws of others, but by embracing the expansive, uplifting power of love that sees the whole of life in all its beauty and complexity.