Have you ever hung out with a group of women or men who boisterously share about the amazing things their spouse does for them? And then you think, “I wish my husband/wife would do that for me.” It’s difficult to hear a friend bragging about something you would desire from your spouse. That’s called comparison. 

It doesn’t really matter what your comparing: spouses, cars, jobs, your kids school grades, or the home you live in. All comparison is, the Bible says, unwise and not showing good sense. We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. (I Corinthians 10:12 RSV)

How is it unwise? When we compare ourselves there are only two outcomes: pride (we’re better) or insignificance (we’re not measuring up). Neither of these conclusions are good for the human soul. 

If your husband doesn’t know the difference between a wrench and a socket but your neighbor can fix anything, does it bother you? Does his wife bake fresh bread, and your spouse only knows how to run to the bake shop to purchase bread? That stab of jealousy about what your neighbor can do, and your spouse cannot, sets you up for disappointment and the loss of thankfulness for your spouse. 

No one has a perfect partner because none of us are perfect. Comparison will blind you from seeing what and who your spouse is and, at the same time, steal your thankfulness for the partner God gave you!