Is it still considered coveting if you want it for unselfish reasons?

[DaneClark]

See the “5 C’s of Discerning God’s Will”:deepinscripture.com/Discernment.pdf

I have been praying for guidance on something and think I know the direction that he wants me to go in. It is a direction that may seem like I am coveting something because it leads me to believe that something that someone else currently has is ultimately meant for me, which would fail The Conformity Test, however, I am not having selfish thoughts about it. I believe that it will happen only if it is God’s will for it to happen. I believe that, if it happens, it will be what is best for everyone because that’s what God was planning all along. I pray saying “Lord, if this is your will, please guide everyone to where you want them to be.” Often, when I pray, I can feel the Holy Spirit assuring me that I’m believing the right thing. So, does this pass the Conformity Test? I only want what is best for everyone and I am not planning to do anything devious to get there. I am just going to wait, and let it happen naturally because if it is God’s will for it to happen, I know it will. I know he works in mysterious ways, and it’s very possible for me to be wanting something that was meant to happen in the future anyway, and that’s not coveting, is it?

The direction I feel I am being lead in passes the other 4 C’s. I believe that this decision is bringing me closer to God (The Conversion Test), It seems to match up well with lots of stuff that has happened in my life as if God were preparing me for it (The Consistency Test), I have been given what I believe to be many spiritual signs that keep encouraging me to believe that this is his will (The Confirmation Test), and when I look deep into my heart it just feels right and believing it gives me a sense of peace. So, even though it may not look like it fits the first C at first glance, it fits the other 4 C’s perfectly. So, could this mean that what I believe really is God’s will?

 

[MikiBee]

It isn’t wrong to desire to have things we do not have. It is not wrong to wish you had a bigger house, or a car like your neighbor’s, or a gentle, loving spouse. Where it becomes a sin is when we desire to have our neighbor’s house, or our neighbor’s car, or our neighbor’s spouse-- where it leads us to the temptation of sinfully obtaining those objects (stealing, adultery, murdering, to have it).

Devising a plan, even as a fantasy of sinfully obtaining things is the sin, even if you do not act it out. Thinking “I’m going to try to steal my friend’s husband/boyfriend” is coveting. Simply wishing you had a man similar to your neighbor’s is not. Trying to steal, or perhaps fudging your income taxes so you can afford a new car is where the sin is. But if you desire to have a new car and work hard at saving your money to afford it, there is no sin there.

Similarly, having ill feelings or wishing ill on your neighbor because they have something you don’t or if you think you deserve it more than them-- that is when you cross into the sin of coveting.

 

[Bookcat]

See the “5 C’s of Discerning God’s Will”:deepinscripture.com/Discernment.pdf

I have been praying for guidance on something and think I know the direction that he wants me to go in. It is a direction that may seem like I am coveting something because it leads me to believe that something that someone else currently has is ultimately meant for me, which would fail The Conformity Test, however, I am not having selfish thoughts about it. I believe that it will happen only if it is God’s will for it to happen. I believe that, if it happens, it will be what is best for everyone because that’s what God was planning all along. I pray saying “Lord, if this is your will, please guide everyone to where you want them to be.” Often, when I pray, I can feel the Holy Spirit assuring me that I’m believing the right thing. So, does this pass the Conformity Test? I only want what is best for everyone and I am not planning to do anything devious to get there. I am just going to wait, and let it happen naturally because if it is God’s will for it to happen, I know it will. I know he works in mysterious ways, and it’s very possible for me to be wanting something that was meant to happen in the future anyway, and that’s not coveting, is it?

The direction I feel I am being lead in passes the other 4 C’s. I believe that this decision is bringing me closer to God (The Conversion Test), It seems to match up well with lots of stuff that has happened in my life as if God were preparing me for it (The Consistency Test), I have been given what I believe to be many spiritual signs that keep encouraging me to believe that this is his will (The Confirmation Test), and when I look deep into my heart it just feels right and believing it gives me a sense of peace. So, even though it may not look like it fits the first C at first glance, it fits the other 4 C’s perfectly. So, could this mean that what I believe really is God’s will?

not familar with the 5C’s (though I do think discernment is good)…but I did not download it…but lets look at the three C’s that is the CCC the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Speaking of the Commandment: You shall not covet . . .

2537 It is not a violation of this commandment to desire to obtain things that belong to one’s neighbor, provided this is done by just means…

read the whole thing here…

vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a0.htm