Relationship Lessons From Leah and Rachel's Family LifeSample

So she gave him Bilhah her maid as a [secondary] wife, and Jacob went in to her. Bilhah conceived and gave birth to a son for Jacob. Then Rachel said, “God has judged and vindicated me, and has heard my plea and has given me a son [through my maid].” So she named him Dan (He judged). Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, conceived again and gave birth to a second son for Jacob. So Rachel said, “With mighty wrestlings [in prayer to God] I have struggled with my sister and have prevailed.” So she named him Naphtali (my wrestlings). When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing [children], she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as a [secondary] wife. Zilpah, Leah’s maid, gave birth to a son for Jacob. Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad (good fortune). Zilpah, Leah’s maid, gave birth to a second son for Jacob. Then Leah said, “I am happy! For women will call me happy.” So she named him Asher (happy). Genesis 30:4-13 (AMP)

Because Rachel constantly compared herself with her sister, she allowed her maid to sleep with her husband to make her desire for a child a reality. Her sister, Leah, did likewise. Comparison consumed these sisters, and they could not celebrate their blessings. Rachel lost sight of what she possessed, her husband's love. Leah lost sight of God's blessing, fertility. Comparison stole Leah and Rachel's joy. They made rash decisions and focused on what they lacked.

I believe we naturally compare ourselves with others when different situations arise. Through comparison, we learn from others. However, comparison becomes toxic when it does not spur us to develop our relationship with God, and pride or covetousness sets in. By God's grace, we can become people who honor and celebrate others who may or may not be doing better than us. We can emulate and desire the grace upon great men and women of God. We can compare to improve and learn from others. However, we should primarily strive to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

To avoid and overcome negative comparison, we must learn to count our blessings, be intentional about rejoicing with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15), busy ourselves with the assignment God has given us, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us walk in love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me uniquely. I believe you have a purpose for my life. In the name of Jesus, help me see and fulfill your purpose for my life. Give me the ability to rejoice with those who rejoice and focus on my assignment on earth. I thank you for answering my prayers. Amen.