‘Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!’ Romans 12:9-16(NLT)
A young mother felt challenged year after year to keep her two children’s birthdays “fair.” Although the kids were born two years apart, they were born on the same day of the year. When they were little, they enjoyed sharing a birthday party. But as they grew older, each child wanted their own special party. Inevitably, every year, one party always seemed to turn out better than the other. One child always felt like they had the bad party, while their sibling enjoyed the awesome party.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can learn to keep our hearts and minds so full of joy for others that there’s no room left for jealousy! Model for your kids how they can focus on all of the blessings that God bestows on us as a family. Demonstrate how we can keep our words positive and uplifting. Create a family atmosphere that constantly cheers on the blessings that others receive, both in your family and outside your family.
Your kids will fall into the comparison trap if that’s where you lead them. Someone else will always have something nicer than you do. But the truth is, you’ll also always have something nicer than what someone else has. So what’s the point? When we compare ourselves to others, the Bible says that is “not wise.” Living in gratitude is so much better. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Be happy for them when they experience good fortune.
“Gratitude is the opposite of greed. Raise thankful children, and they won’t envy others.” —Greg C. Gunn
from Family-ID: 7 Keys To A Great Family