Forgiven, Loved, FreeSample

The Difference God Makes

"Comparison is the thief of joy." -Theodore Roosevelt. Forgiveness and adoption as God’s children should make us joyful. When we lack assurance that these wonderful gifts are ours, we are fearful instead. One of the reasons for this is comparison.

Maybe you’ve got a friend, a co-worker, or a sibling who you admire. You wish you had their courage, patience, or insight. It’s great to be thankful for the ways people around us display God’s image. But when we measure our worth by comparing these virtues, we are letting a thief sneak in to steal the joy that Jesus offers us. Comparison will only lead to envy or pride.

Comparison is understandable–we want some reassurance that our struggle against sin is going well. Reassurance should come from trusting God and from the Spirit’s comfort, but experiencing the reality of God’s saving power is reassuring too! We can experience this without having to compare ourselves to others.

In Galatians, Paul reminds us of what we used to be–people directed by various destructive desires. If these things have been crucified with Christ, we can expect to see changes–increasing the amount of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are called the fruit of the Spirit, and it is worth remembering that fruit grows over time. If you plant a seed in a garden, you can see growth in a few weeks, but you need to wait longer for the harvest.

Don’t compare yourself with others. Look at what you used to be, what Christ has borne on the cross. Look at the fruit that is in your life now. Are you really the same as you were before?

Is there something in your life that is stunting your growth? A work of the flesh that needs to die? Imagine it being crucified with Christ. Every time you reject that evil desire, it is being crucified with Christ, and you are experiencing freedom.

Is there something you want to see grow in your life? Sow to the Spirit. Every time you practice that virtue, you are sowing a seed that the Spirit will use to transform you.

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