Comparison is Killing Connection

Why We Struggle to Celebrate Others 

“She’s just jealous of you!” is a phrase often told to young girls when other girls aren’t so kind to them, or at least that’s I heard growing up! Although I don’t believe that’s always the case I do think there is a little bit of truth to it. Mean Girls was a high grossing movie for a reason!

Of course, Hollywood paints jealousy and envy in a glamorous and humorous light sometimes but jealousy and envy are both a real problem, not just in the world but also in Christian culture. The Bible wouldn’t have so many verses advising against them if it wasn’t a problem! (James 3:16) We see right away in Genesis (Genesis 4:4-8) how dangerous envy and jealousy can be if we let these feelings seep into our hearts. Unfortunately, comparison and envy did not end with the first siblings of the Bible.

We live in a time of “views” and “likes” and it can be so easy to desire the 1 minute highlights of people’s lives we see when we open our phones. And instead of rejoicing and celebrating others’ wins we covet what is theirs.

Comparison is still alive and continues to rob us of our contentment and connection. We live in a time of “views” and “likes” and it can be so easy to desire the 1 minute highlights of people’s lives we see when we open our phones. And instead of rejoicing and celebrating others’ wins we covet what is theirs. (Exodus 20:17) We begin to think maybe the grass IS greener on the other side and we become stuck on the comparison train that we forget envy can rot our bones! (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭30‬) However, I believe we can overcome these spirits of comparison, jealousy and envy. When I think of how these feelings can rob us of our joy and contentment, I’m reminded of who also wants to “steal” from us, so instead of allowing the thief to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) I can stand firm in what the Word tells us. I’m not called to envy but to rejoice with those who rejoice! (Romans 12:15) To celebrate the wins of others!

A few months ago I read something that said when we see others achieve something or attain something we desire, we shouldn’t see that as a loss for us but as a win for our faith and as proof that God is moving! And who are we to limit God that He will only move for one person and not us? Maybe it’s another friend’s pregnancy announcement, or a job promotion you were never offered, or the bigger house being built down the street, or the relationship you long for that others have, let’s rejoice and celebrate these moments for others because it is proof that God is faithful and His promises and yes and amen! (2 Corinthians 1:20)

God, I thank you for my friend who is reading this right now. I ask that you would comfort her when comparison tries to rob her of her joy and contentment. Remind her how loved she is, remind her of all You have already done in her life and will do, and remind her that she’s exactly where You need her to be. Lord, thank You for being our provider, meeting all of our needs, and giving us the desire of our hearts. We love You, Lord. All of this I pray and believe in Jesus’ name, amen!