I’ve always been a fan of the German football club Bayern Munich. I also used to watch a lot of television, especially TV series. But during my time of personal transformation, I developed a strong aversion to TV and football. My attention was redirected to reading the Bible and engaging in similar spiritual activities.

Some people saw my love for God as a form of depression. Others believed it was just a phase — surely, I would end up giving it all up.

Claudia didn’t understand me. She would openly say I prayed too much, that I read the Bible excessively, that I was going crazy, losing my mind. According to her, it must have been heartbreak or the stress of my legal situation that led me to take refuge in the Bible. I heard her talk. I knew she didn’t understand me. But what I felt inside for God was powerful — stronger than me.

Change is not an easy thing, but it was a decision I had to hold on to firmly until I saw results.

In my youth, it wasn’t my mother who compared me to others. It was other people, constantly telling me I wasn’t this or that, or that others were better than me in one area or another. I was bombarded daily with negative thoughts that deeply affected my soul.

If I had to define it, I’d say comparison is bringing two or more elements (or people) side by side to look for similarities or differences, often with the goal of appreciating one while disregarding the other.

We can compare prices, cars, or other material things — but comparing human beings, in my opinion, is limiting one group while exalting another. Through comparison, we judge some based on the strengths of others, when in fact each human being is different, each one is unique.

What I’ve come to understand is that comparison is useless. We can admire others’ efforts or results in order to improve ourselves, to grow, to raise our standards — but not to fall into the trap of comparison. No one has reached their full potential. We always learn from others, because there’s always someone ahead of us in one area or another.

Exposing myself to the Word of God played a major role in my life. After two months of introspection, I realized that the Word of God is a mighty, awe-inspiring power. I hadn’t known that I was bound by a spirit of comparison, and it was through God’s Word that I understood how harmful it was.

I started to reject all those words of comparison I had once accepted. I kept repeating to myself: “I am unique. I cannot be someone else, and no one else can be me. I am me. I will remain me. My strength lies in my uniqueness. Everyone has their own share, their own destiny — their own unique thing.”

Comparison is a poison that rots self-esteem and destroys confidence. I lacked self-confidence because of the words I allowed to enter my soul. I had a complex about being slim — or “too skinny” according to others.

People often told me I was too thin, that I needed to gain weight. They were joking, but also mocking me. These repeated remarks created a complex within me — a hidden wound that formed without my knowledge. I had to face it and be set free.

Through the light of God’s Word, I came to understand that God had made me this way on purpose. When I think of how many people spend money trying to lose weight, I ended up giving thanks to God for creating me just as I am. Today, I am proud of my body. I accept myself as I am. God loves me just the way I am.

Another complex I had was about my hair. At birth, I was a beautiful baby — but with only fuzz on my head. My mother was a bit disappointed to have a daughter without hair. She had looked forward to braiding my hair in many styles, but alas… That became a topic of mockery for some — my teachers at school, my friends… I would laugh it off, but sometimes it hurt. I didn’t know how to defend myself against all those remarks.

Was I going to spend my whole life lamenting the state of my hair? If I have a beautiful smile that lights up my whole face, and a head that functions normally — shouldn’t I be thankful to God for what I do have? So I decided to be happy and proud of what I’ve been given. Those who truly love me will do so for who I am — not because of my hair. And that’s how I got over that complex and that shame. I became more and more confident. A deep assurance began to settle in. An overflowing joy filled me. A peace I can’t describe took over my heart. My smile grew stronger — and in fact, it has never left me since.

Everything God does is flawless. He never misses the mark or fails His purpose! I have resolved never to let anyone compare me to others — no matter their accomplishments. And I will never again compare myself to anyone else. I am one of a kind, proud of who I am, because God knows exactly why He created me. I love myself just as I am…

This text is an excerpt from the book “AND I FORGAVE!” written by Stasia Bobette BIONGO.

0We invite you to read the following article: “CHANGE ONLY COMES WHEN YOU MAKE A DECISION.”