Its so easy to get caught up in a material world that makes you feel inferior without the latest trend or newest gadget. And when we see someone else with a bigger house, newer car, nicer clothes, prettier hair, better (insert item here), instead of being happy for them and sharing in their joy we get jealous. We complain and say “I want that!” and “I need that!” and “Why not me, God?!”

But love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t compare. It doesn’t get jealous or want what others have.

Love celebrates with others. Love rejoices in the blessings God has given to our friends and family. Love shares in the joy of others.

When we are free from the grip of comparisons and the societal burden of have-nots we can freely give thanks for all things. We can be happy with what we have as well as what others have, even when they are not the same.

I think back to a few of our past mission teams sharing about the happiness and joy of those they’ve served in the D.R. Those who have comparatively less than us perhaps have greater joy than we know. Instead of complaining about what they don’t have and the hardships they face, they rejoice in the Lord and sing of His goodness.

Perhaps we need to remember that as we scroll through our social media this week. Let us be content in the blessings God has given us, and let us rejoice and share in the joyful praise of others for the good things He has given them as well.

Because when we all are united in love we share in each other’s blessings, and sin and temptation and the evils of this world can seem to fade away.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:9-10, 21

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8