Barbra Gentry-Pugh

“Comparisonitis ~ The Silent Infection of the Soul”

August 3, 2025

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

“But when Jesus heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.” Matthew 9:12 (NASB)

One of the most debilitating diseases of the modern world is “comparisonitis.” You won’t find this illness listed in any standard medical textbooks. Nor will your company’s disability or health insurance or workers’ compensation program reimburse you for it. By definition, it is the tendency to measure one’s worth by comparing oneself to another. However, make no mistake, “comparisonitis” is a scourge as widespread, as destructive as any physical or emotional illness known today.

As a Registered Nurse for over 35 years, I’ve been trained to conduct thorough assessments, gather history, identify symptoms, and analyze data to support or rule out diagnoses and treat infections or conditions. I have learned how to spot and evaluate underlying issues that aren’t always visible on the surface.

But over the years, I’ve come to realize something deeper: not all infections show up in lab results. Some of the most damaging diagnoses, conditions are emotional and spiritual. I often say, half-joking, but fully serious, “If I could write spiritual nursing diagnoses, one of the first would be something I call ‘comparisonitis.’” Because, like many physical conditions, it causes inflammation and irritation of the soul.

Allow me to explain! In medical terms, the suffix “itis” indicates inflammation or irritation, turning a word into a diagnosed condition. For example, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, or Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes. So, when I say “comparisonitis,” we’re highlighting that these are more than just occasional struggles; they’re chronic, soul-level conditions that cause spiritual irritation and emotional inflammation can hinder healing if left unchecked.

Making the proper diagnosis is the first step in the appropriate treatment. And the Word of God holds the prescription for every “soul infection.” The symptoms of comparisonitis are real: inflammation of purpose, swelling of insecurity, unforgiveness fatigue, and chronic dissatisfaction.

REMEMBER, comparisonitis is more than just a mental struggle; it’s a spiritual condition that slowly erodes your joy, identity, and contentment. Its symptoms are subtle but serious, and if left unaddressed, can hinder your walk with God and strain your relationships with others.

Two of my favorite authors, Lysa TerKeurst and Pastor Rick Warren, say this about making comparisons. Lysa TerKeurst, in her book Uninvited, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, says, “Comparison steals the joy of celebrating others and the grace of being ourselves.” Pastor Rick Warren, in his book, The Purpose-Driven Life, says. “You cannot fulfill God’s purpose for your life while focusing on other people’s purpose.”

God’s Diagnostic Tool – Bible

Comparisonitis needs treatment with God’s Truth. Because healing from within means being honest about what’s going on beneath the surface. It is a spiritual infection, an infection of the soul, and it is deadly, in fact will kill you!

YOUR HEART CHECK: Do you suffer from Comparisonitis? How do you establish your identity? Are you always comparing yourself to others? Do you try to build up your self-esteem by looking down on others less fortunate or gifted than you? If so, you are standing on shaky ground because your identity becomes uncertain. You can never be sure about yourself on those terms. Sooner or later, someone is bound to come along who is better than you in some way or the other. How is it going? Do you suffer from comparisonitis? It is a deadly disease, and it will kill you. Don’t judge, you might be experiencing a mild case of comparisonitis!

What needs to change in your self-assessment for you to see yourself as God sees you? I have seen biblical principles play out like nursing diagnoses. And while I won’t hand you a prescription pad, I will offer something better, God’s Truth and a dose of Grace.

YOUR HEART CHALLENGE: If I wrote a Spiritual Treatment Plan for Healing the Spirit of Comparison, although it is not exhaustive ~ it would look something like this:

♥ Practice Gratitude. Gratitude aligns your heart with heaven and shifts your eyes from what you lack to what God has given. Take a dose of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, T.I.D (three times a day) “ Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

♥ Focus on Your God-Given Assignment. Administer an injection of Hebrews 12:1 at Hs. (every night). “Hebrews 12:1 says, “ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” When you stay in your lane, you stop being distracted by others’ pace.

♥ Limit Distractions & Detox from the World’s Standard. Fast regularity from social media or anything that stirs up jealousy or inadequacy. Take a daily dose of Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

♥ Renew Your Mind. Be intentional regularly about replacing comparison-fueled thoughts with God’s truth. “Take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

♥ Engage in Christ-Centered Community. Administer a daily injection of 1 Thessalonians 5:11a says, “Surround yourself with people who speak life, not competition, gossip, or complaining because all complaints are ultimately against God!

♥ Reflect on Your Own Growth. Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare your present self to where God brought you from. “Forget not all His benefits…” – Administer a daily dose of Psalm 103:2 and PRN (as needed) “Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’

♥ Turn Envy and/or Jealousy into Admiration. Use the success of others to inspire rather than discourage. Take a B.I.D. dose (two times a day) of Romans 12:15, which says, ”Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”

♥ Silence the Inner Critic with God’s Truth. The enemy thrives in negative self-talk, but you can combat it with the Word. Administer a daily dose ofJoel 3:10 and PRN (as needed): “Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’”

♥ Seek Godly Counsel When Needed. If comparison has taken root, don’t suffer in silence; seek pastoral, biblical, or professional support. Administer Proverbs 15:22 PRN ( as needed): “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Feel free to call the Biblical Counseling Ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church ~ Dr. Aaron Chapman, Pastor.

A TREATED HEART: A heart that has been healed from within. It is a heart that has been properly diagnosed and treated with God’s truth. Because healing from within means being honest about what’s going on beneath the surface.

Healing Begins Where Truth MeetsGrace! Healing is not just about feeling better; it’s about getting better. But real, lasting healing, whether emotional, spiritual, or relational—doesn’t begin with denial. It begins with truth.

Truth is what reveals the wound.
Grace is what covers it while it heals.

Truth without grace can be harsh, exposing what’s wrong without offering hope.
Grace without truth can feel good, but leave the root untouched.

But when truth and grace meet, they create a sacred space where healing can begin.

In Biblical Counseling Terms:

Truth is the diagnosis: “This is what’s really going on.”

Grace is the care plan: “Here’s how we’ll walk you toward wholeness.”

Jesus modeled this perfectly. In John 1:14, He came “full of grace and truth.” Not one or the other, but both, in perfect balance.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2!

PRAYER:  Father God, thank You for Your authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word that gives us clear instructions on how we can be treated and healed by Your Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Father, thank You for making us new in You. Heal every broken place where we believed the lies about who we are in You. Remind us daily that our worth is rooted in only You. Help us walk boldly in our true identity, whole, healed, and loved, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.