Why Compare When You’re Already You?
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
2 Corinthians 10:12-13, Romans 12:3-5
12 We won't dare compare ourselves with those who think so much of themselves. But they are foolish to compare themselves with themselves. 13 We won't brag about something we don't have a right to brag about. We will only brag about the work God has sent us to do, and you are part of that work.
2 Corinthians 10:12-13
3 I realize God has treated me with undeserved grace, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. 4 A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. 5 That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.
Romans 12:3-5
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 10:12
12 We won't dare compare ourselves with those who think so much of themselves. But they are foolish to compare themselves with themselves.
Have you ever felt jealous of someone?
Maybe you have a friend who is really good at drawing, or your favorite singer has a hair color you desperately want. Feeling jealous happens sometimes, especially when we see what others have on social media. How can we stop comparing ourselves to others?
Psalm 139:14 says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." That means we can be happy that God made us one of a kind!
God made each of us with love and care. We know God made us in his image, but he didn’t want to make us all the same. Let’s remember that God gave each of us special gifts. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others and wish we had something others have. We can use our different gifts to further God’s kingdom by sharing his message of love. Are you gifted at singing? Do you like making people feel better when they’re sad? Whatever your gifts are, think about using them to share God’s love with others.
In 2 Corinthians 10:12-13, we’re reminded that it’s not wise to compare ourselves with others. Why would we want to be anyone but the person God made us to be? God doesn’t make mistakes, and he made each of us special and one of a kind for a reason.
The next time you feel sad or wish you were like someone else, think about snowflakes. Have you ever cut out snowflakes with paper and scissors, and noticed how each one is different? God made every tiny snowflake to be one of a kind. But together, they also make the perfect snow for sledding, snowshoeing, and snowball fights. Maybe we are like snowflakes: each of us is different and beautiful in our own way. And when we serve together, we can do amazing things for God's kingdom.
Prayer
Father God, help us to remember that we are made to be one of a kind. Remind us of our gifts and how we can use them to share your love with others. Amen.Related Resources
Rachel Syens
Rachel Syens is the Digital Marketing Specialist for ReFrame Ministries, managing social media platforms and coordinating digital marketing efforts for Kids Corner and three other programs. Rachel graduated with a B.A. from Hope College and M.A. from Western Michigan University. Rachel is passionate about writing, travel, and her two-year-old Yorkie, Poppy. Rachel calls West Michigan home.