In a world filled with constant comparisons and the allure of what others have, it’s easy to lose sight of the blessings we’ve been given. We often find ourselves “cherry-picking” aspects of others’ lives and longing for what they have. Envy and discontentment can take root in our hearts, robbing us of the peace and joy that God desires for us. Today, we’ll explore the powerful message of Galatians 5:22-24 and how cultivating the fruit of the Spirit can lead us to genuine contentment.

We’ve all been there, flipping through glossy magazines or scrolling through social media, and a twinge of envy creeps in. We see what celebrities or even friends have, and we might think, “If only I had that, my life would be perfect.” This comparison trap is all too common. We forget that we’re only seeing a fraction of someone else’s life, and we’re comparing it to our own.

Galatians tells us about the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities like love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities aren’t just character traits; they’re powerful tools that God provides to help us navigate the challenges of life.

One aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. It’s the ability to resist the temptation to covet what others have. When we practice self-control, we avoid falling into the comparison trap and experiencing jealousy or envy.

Paul’s words remind us to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. As we do, we become better equipped to resist envy and discontentment. We can be content in all things, much or little–because it is through Christ who gives us strength.