When You're Jealous of Someone Else's Joy

Have you ever celebrated someone’s success while quietly wondering, “Why not me, Lord?”  In our nightly prayer and devotional, that’s where Tracie Miles once found herself — sitting in her car after lunch with a friend who had just shared joyful news. Though she was genuinely happy for her friend, she also felt the sting of unfulfilled dreams and long delays. In Romans 12:15, God calls us to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” It sounds simple until our emotions complicate it. Rejoicing when someone else receives what you’ve prayed for can be one of the hardest acts of obedience. Yet this verse challenges us to love beyond comparison, to celebrate beyond envy, and to sit compassionately with others in both their joy and sorrow. God doesn’t ask us to ignore our own disappointments — He invites us to bring them to Him honestly. The Holy Spirit reminds us that it’s possible to grieve your delay and still celebrate someone else’s breakthrough. His blessings are not limited or reduced by what He gives others. Our waiting season doesn’t mean we’ve been forgotten; it means God is still preparing our hearts for His perfect timing. When we learn to celebrate others freely, our hearts become lighter and more open to the work God is doing in us. And often, it’s in the moments we let go of comparison that God surprises us with His goodness — in His way, and in His time. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”— Romans 12:15 (NIV) MAIN TAKEAWAYS God’s command to “rejoice and mourn” calls us to compassion in both joy and sorrow. You can celebrate someone’s success while still waiting for your own breakthrough. God’s blessings aren’t limited — His timing is perfect for every story. True love chooses connection over comparison, empathy over envy. Learning to celebrate others prepares your heart for what God is preparing for you. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Romans 12:15 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Dear Lord,You know how hard it can be to rejoice when I feel left behind, or to mourn when I don’t know what to say. Grow in me a heart that reflects Your love — one not ruled by comparison or fear. Teach me to celebrate others freely and comfort others with compassion. Help me remember that You have not forgotten me, and that Your timing is always right. Thank You for meeting me in both joy and sorrow. Help me love like You do.In Jesus’ name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON Am I Willing to Celebrate Others, Even When I’m Still Waiting?Reflect on what it means to rejoice with those who rejoice, even when you’re still waiting for your own breakthrough. What might God want to teach you in their celebration? Have I Allowed God to Meet Me in My Own Mourning?Ask yourself whether you’ve been rushing past your own grief or minimizing others’. Where might God be inviting you to slow down and feel — both your own pain and the pain of those around you? What Does Love Require of Me Today — Empathy or Celebration?Living out Romans 12:15 means showing up for others in love. Who in your life needs your presence today — someone to mourn with, or someone to celebrate with? CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer for nightly encouragement and Scripture-based reflection. Visit LifeAudio.com for more devotionals and faith-building podcasts. Share tonight’s reflection with someone who needs encouragement to love well in every season. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.