19. Celebrating Others

I have found one of the quickest ways to deal with the curse of comparison is by celebrating others.

It’s also one of the hardest things to do!

When you are struggling to make ends meet and your friend (who is very secure financially) gets an unexpected financial blessing, it’s hard not to feel resentful. How about when you’ve been praying for years, believing God for healing, and someone else gets healed of the same condition you have. Or when someone who has just started a job gets a sudden promotion, where you’ve been faithfully working for years without so much as a small pay rise or bonus?

It can be a struggle to be happy for them when everything inside of you just wants to complain bitterly and say, “What about me?” But Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep”, and for good reason: because that’s exactly what will break the disappointment and resentment that tries to creep into your heart. It’s another example of the upside-down kingdom that is the Kingdom of God. When you feel angry, rejoice! When you feel bitter about someone else’s good fortune, be happy for them!

Of course, it’s easy to say it, but doing it is not so easy and that’s when another Kingdom principle comes into play: walking by faith and not by sight (or by feelings)! Celebrating someone else starts with a decision. You decide to celebrate them. You put aside any feelings of frustration, resentment or hurt that you may be feeling, you deny self-pity a hold on you, you put a smile on your face and you tell them that you’re happy for them. You celebrate with them and support them.

Then, in your own time, you thank Jesus for His goodness towards them and pray for them. That’s when the real change happens, when you pray for even more blessing on them and for Father’s goodness to overflow in their lives. Pray scriptures over them like Psalm 23; that they will not want for anything, that He will lead them beside quiet waters, guide them in paths of righteousness, prepare a table before them in the presence of their enemies, that their cup will overflow and that His goodness and mercy will follow them all the days of their life.

The blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 is another great scripture to pray over someone, especially if you’re struggling to align your feelings with what you’re praying. 

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

 The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,and give you peace.” ’

Do this in spite of what you’re feeling, not because of it. What you feel at that point doesn’t actually matter. You make a choice, and do it in faith, out of obedience to God. But, if you do this, you will notice before long, that a subtle shift starts to take place in your heart. In the place of resentment, you will find yourself being genuinely happy for them. Instead of bitterness there will be blessing and instead of hurt, a sense of contentment and thankfulness to Father for His goodness.

As we learn to celebrate the blessings of others, the curse of comparison loses its grip on us. It’s like a divine exchange and, when I’ve done this in times past, I have sensed Father’s pleasure and ‘well done’ over me. It’s a beautiful experience, kind of like seeing a miracle unfold, slowly but surely.

Sometimes it takes longer than other times. It may take hours, days, even weeks or months, depending on the situation. But, if you continue to do this, the shift WILL happen, because praying the blessing of God is powerful. The word of God is alive and active, and always accomplishes the purpose which it was sent for (Isaiah 55:11). Not only will it change your attitude towards the person who has been blessed, but it will also minister to your soul and bring about a greater maturity in your life.

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Until next time ….

Is there anyone who you struggle to be happy for, who seems to have an ‘easy track’ to run? Make a decision to pray for them every day, asking God to bless them.

Put a reminder in your phone if that’s helpful, or write a note and put it on your fridge.

Ask God for a scripture to pray over them, or use Psalm 23 or Numbers 6:24-26 if that is helpful.

Then watch as the transformation starts to take place!

Nicky Heymans is an author of historical fiction who is known for drawing fresh life and inspiration out of familiar Bible stories. She would love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions by scrolling down to the bottom of this page and clicking on the 'contact' link, and she will get back to you.