“... when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”
2 Corinthians 10:12b ESV
When we compare ourselves to others, and we feel we don't measure up, we fall into self pity or simply a sadness of not being good enough. We may become unwilling to try anything out of fear that we will fail. We may also become envious and discontent with what we have and who we are when we look around and compare with others.
On the other side of comparing, we may feel that we are superior, thus becoming proud, boastful and arrogant. I think, we can also begin to complain and become judgemental towards others, assuming they are not at the same standard as us because we think we are better than they are.
There's something about comparison that leads to division- arguments, discontentment and a lack of unity. I know I've been a victim of comparing myself to others in my own friendships. But when we put aside our differences and truly care for one another... we'd be living our lives closer to the way God intended.
“that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
1 Corinthians 12:25-26 ESV
When we get passed comparing, we truly start loving as God instructed us:
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Romans 12:10 ESV
So in summary, comparing leaves us feeling inadequate, incapable, and dispensable. But when we choose to love instead of judge through comparison, we live in unity. And ultimately, each of us was uniquely designed, with different gifts, talents and abilities that God planned in advance for us for His own pleasure and glory!
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