Rather than focusing on what we don’t have or what we lack, let us be more grateful for the blessings we do have in our lives, writes Kayla Kaimarama-Willie of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It has been said by Theodore Roosevelt, the 26^th president of the United States, that “comparison is the thief of joy”.

Every day, social media posts detail the events of people’s lives, a potential beginning for unhealthy comparison. We see updates, pictures and videos about vacations, food, glamourous outfits, fitness transformations, and many other exciting things that others do.

When we see good things happening in someone’s life, are we genuinely happy for them or are we envious? Do we start to develop negative thoughts and feelings towards that individual or do we rejoice in their success?

In the world of comparisons, it seems like there’s always someone better. Comparison can lead to envy: envying others’ strengths, successes, fortunes, and lifestyle so much that we begin to resent our own lives, lose confidence in ourselves and our abilities. We begin to focus on things we lack that we lose sight of the joys in our own lives. Comparing ourselves to others can cause us to miss the blessings we already have.

Why is comparing so easy to do, but so hard to overcome?

One such example from the Bible is that of Cain and Abel. Cain worked in the fields, planting and harvesting crops, and Abel was a shepherd. As they began to reap the benefits of their labours, they gave offerings to God to show their gratitude. Abel offered his fattest sheep which pleased God. He gave his very best with full purpose of heart. Cain on the other hand gave the harvests of his ordinary crops. This likely indicates that this wasn’t the best of his crops. As a result, God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s one. This caused Cain to be angry and led him to kill his brother.

What do we learn from this story? We learn that frustration and deep feelings of injustice starts from within. If we are not careful, it can lead us to do and/or say things that can hurt ourselves and those around us.

Sometimes in life, someone else might receive an unexpected blessing or something good might happen to them. This unexpected blessing is probably something we yearn for. This can come in the form of school, employment, or sport.

Whatever the case may be, be supportive and encouraging instead of diminishing, complaining, and comparing. Rather than focusing on what we don’t have or what we lack, let us be more grateful for the blessings we do have in our lives. As the scripture teaches, in “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

My dear friends, no earthly pleasure can compare to the peace and joy that comes from our Saviour Jesus Christ. In his Sermon on the Mount, our Saviour invites us to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Brothers and sisters, when we seek first the kingdom of God, we commit to leave behind our tendency to compare or judge and desire to become better versions of ourselves. We place our trust in the Lord’s timing with patience. We notice and respond to those around us even while we are experiencing our own challenges. We strive to become like Christ who loved and served all without judgment, comparison, and complaint. May we do likewise.

I testify that lasting joy can only be found in Jesus Christ and His teachings. He is the source of truth and light. It is my prayer that in the coming days, we learn to search inward, turn outward, look upward, and press forward.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.