Message Recap
One of the greatest killers to healthy relationships is comparison. No matter your age or season of life, there are traps around every corner luring us into the land of “er and est.” The land of er and est is mark with phrases like, “if I only I were rich-er, funny-er, or the smart-est and pretti-est.” Or how about these…“Why can’t they be bett-er, friendli-er?” Whether we look up and compare (jealousy), or look down and compare (pride), there is no win in comparison. When I compare… “I sin.”
Guiding Verses
“Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.”
1 Corinthians 13:4
“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”
Proverbs 14:30
Discussion Questions
1. What were some of the groups in your High School and which ones did you hang out with?
2. When was a time you felt “less than” or excluded?
3. Where are you currently playing the comparison game?
4. Describe how that game is playing out. What are the effects on your emotions and relationships?
Moving Forward
One of the remedies to comparison is found in understanding where our identity and worth comes from. Galatians 4:4-7 reminds us that while we were “slaves to the law” God sent his son to “adopt us as his very own children.” We have all we will ever need in Christ! Pray in your group for God’s Spirit to speak truth where lies have taken ground and for healing and freedom to break through places of hurt and bondage.
To learn more about the Art of Relationships series, including how to join or host an Art of Relationships Series Group click here.