How to Become Free from Toxic Comparison Culture

This post is all about comparison culture. These are the biblical and psychological concepts on comparison culture that you need to know about!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost. Please read the full disclosure here!

How many times a day do you say, “I’m too fat, my thighs are too big, look at this stomach…”

It’s not your fault! These negative thoughts are all thanks to comparison culture…

In a world where comparison culture and social comparison relentlessly inundate your mind, you desperately need to find the path to freedom.

Here’s why…

Comparison culture isn’t just a trendy name… it’s a powerful influence that may produce negative consequences…

These are just a handful of the negative outcomes:

• It can affect your mental health.
• It can contribute to low self-esteem.
• It can produce feelings of inadequacy.
• It can dampen your outlook on life. 

And guess what…

You’re not alone in this struggle. A 2017 study shows that 99.98% of Christian women in the United States — just like you — wrestle with body image dissatisfaction every 👏 single 👏 day 👏.

Ready to learn what comparison culture truly entails?

It’s a real life struggle!

And that’s why I’m going to reveal how it creeps into your life and disrupts your peace…

So you can call it by its name and surrender it to the foot of the cross — aaand feel the heaviness in your heart and mind release and lift away! (what a sense of relief, right?).

This post is all about the oppressive influence of comparison culture that every Christian woman (and young girls) who struggles with body image issues should know about.

This isn’t just information…

It’s a lifeline to produce in you a positive change — a more fulfilled and joyful existence…

Toxic Comparison Culture

If you’ve checked out my other posts, you’ve probably noticed that I love a good definition — I can’t help it, it’s the nerd that lives within, lol!

(Also because I genuinely want you to walk away with a solid understanding of the topic so you can confront it and achieve positive results 😊.)

So, before you learn all about comparison culture, we’ll start by defining the concepts. Bear with me — I promise you’ll be glad you “put a name to the face” that affects your mental health, torments you, and robs you of peace and joy.

Here’s the comparison definition…

---

Download your free Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming Comparison Culture so you can experience a profound shift in your self-acceptance and inner peace.

---

Comparison…

Comparison is when you look at others or things and think about how you’re similar or different, sometimes leading to feelings of inadequacy — of not being good enough.

Comparison Culture Defined

Comparison culture is the relentless pressure to measure yourself against others, often fueling feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

For a Christian woman struggling with body image issues — it’s like a storm that blurs the beauty of your uniqueness, making it hard to see your inherent worth and grace.

Stay with me so you can learn all about the negative effects of comparison…

---

💖 Explore Related Posts 💖

1. Revealing the Comparison Trap: How Social Image Impacts Body Image
2. Psalm 139 & Body Image: The True Meaning
3. The Power of Grace: How to Overcome Self-Sabotage Through a Christian Perspective
4. Spiritual Health & Body Image: The Unexpected Connection

---

Social Comparison

Social comparison is that instinctive habit of measuring yourself against others. You compare your mindsets, capabilities, and attributes.

It’s a fundamental aspect of human behavior and can happen both consciously and unconsciously.

Social comparison plays a significant role in shaping you…

It can have a detrimental effect on

• self-concept
• self-esteem
• and your overall psychological well-being & mental health

Which, unfortunately, can sometimes blur the true reflection of your God-given beauty.

For a Christian woman struggling with body image, it’s like a challenge that can either dull your light or help you embrace your unique glow.

Here are some facts about comparison…

Social media is one of the top 3 body image influencers.

No shock there, right?

We all know the detrimental effects the use of social media platforms can cause.

👇 But THIS is a sad truth… 

The number 1 influence on negative body image is…

La Familia (Family)

Sadly female relatives have the biggest influence on your body image views.

Leading with the most influential family members — mothers, aunties, and sisters 😔.

Think of a time when you’ve heard the women in your life say how much they hate their body, or talk about the strict diet and exercise regimen they’re on to lose weight (to feel loved, to feel like they belong, to feel like they’re enough…).

Their words and actions shape your feelings, sometimes driving you to embrace unhealthy habits in the pursuit of belonging and self-acceptance.

Influence number 2 is…

Friends 

Before the age of social media, there was a saying “Women dress for other women”…

The comparison wasn’t as vicious as it is today…

Where most of the “friends” who follow you across social media platforms have positive things to say — there are a few who will bluntly voice their unsolicited opinions on your social media posts — and those are the ones that may cause low self-esteem and or worsen your body image issues. 

But beyond social media comparison, there is an even more hurtful influence!

Your real life friends 😔

Tell me if this story resonates with you…

I can vividly recall wanting to look like my one friend — it was in grade school. She had these springy-bouncy-perfect curls. 

Enter Wanda — with a curl activator, gel, curling iron, and anything she could find to make her hair curly 😂.

You know what I looked like right? 

It wasn’t pretty…

My head looked more like a wet mop!!! (I actually thought I looked cute at the time…)

It sounds funny right?!

But think about this…

It’s like what we do when we look at the unrealistic-doctored-up images of celebrities and influencers on social media…

Whether we’re young girls, teenage girls, young adults, or mature women…

• We often try really hard to live up to the unrealistic standards of “that Instagram post.”
• We want to look like someone else.

And there’s no shame in that my beautiful friend! Remember to practice self-compassion and grace!

Social media posts and diet culture’s unrealistic standards…

• Can push your thoughts and emotions toward a low sense of self. 
• Can make you limit your social interaction because you’re unhappy with your looks.
• And it can also stir up powerful emotions that have negative impacts on your everyday life.

Fortunately, there’s a solution…

When the enemy uses these real world challenges with no kingdom basis…

Call to mind Whose you are — a beautiful daughter of the living God!

You’re designed with intention, uniquely and beautifully designed by His hand.

Let THIS truth guide you to freedom.

Don’t stop reading now…

There’s one more thing you need to know about…

A psychological phenomenon called Social Comparison Theory — take a look…

According to Psychology Today…

Social comparison theory is an idea introduced by psychologist Leon Festinger. In a nutshell, it’s the notion that individuals assess their worth by comparing themselves to others. 

This theory, born in 1954, suggests that while comparison can be motivating, it can also breed dissatisfaction, guilt, remorse, and even engage in destructive behaviors like lying or disordered eating.

In Simple Terms…

Social comparison theory is about looking to others to decide what you think about yourself.

There are 2 primary types of social comparison…

2 Types of Social Comparison

Upward and Downward — and they’re pretty straightforward.

1. Upward Social Comparison

This is when you compare yourself to others who you perceive as superior in some way.

An example of upward social comparison is…

You might compare yourself to a successful co-worker or a do-it-all mom.

Upward comparisons can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to improve yourself…

But it can also lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem if the comparison results in a perceived lack of achievement.

2. Downward Social Comparison

This happens when you compare yourself to others who you perceive as less competent or fortunate. 

An example of downward social comparison is…

You might compare yourself to someone who is struggling financially or dealing with health issues.

Downward comparisons can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of gratitude for your situation…

But it can also lead to feelings of guilt or complacency.

The culture of social comparison can lead to comparison anxiety and severely distort your identity as a daughter of the Most High KING.

If you’ve read this far congratulations 🥳 — You don’t want to miss this challenge…

---

💖 Recommended Resources 💖

1. Free Guide to Overcoming Comparison
2. Killing Comparison
3. Comparison Trap Journal
4. Comparison Is The Thief of Joy Journal

---

Social Media Challenge

When you think of comparison culture or body checking, it probably makes you think of social media, right?

I know how terrible and low I felt about myself after my mindless scrolling sessions.

Until…

One of my wellness mentors challenged me… (it was actually more of a wise suggestion than a challenge)

She suggested I unfollow accounts that provoke negative feelings. 

And I did!

I still have my occasional mindless scrolling sessions but they’re harmless 😊.

Here’s how you can do the same thing…

Please do me a favor — will you consider this challenge? 

Unfollow accounts that make you think…

• “I’m ugly compared to her. Her skin is flawless, and mine is full of imperfections.”
• “I’m fat. Look at her slim figure. Why can’t I look like that?”
• “I’m not as attractive as these women. No wonder nobody finds me desirable.”
• “My body will never be as toned as hers. I should just give up trying.”
• “I wish I had her confidence. I’m always hiding because I’m ashamed of my body.”
• “I can’t wear dresses like that. My body doesn’t look good in anything.”
• “I’ll never be happy with how I look. No amount of makeup or exercise can fix this.”
• “I hate my curves. Why can’t I have a straight, slender body like hers?” 

If your answer is yes — Yay!

You’ve just decided to free yourself from the comparison trap — the cycle of negative thoughts and emotions that arise when you constantly compare yourself to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Please take a moment and go unfollow them right now… (and come back because it’s about to get even better!)

What Is the Christian Perspective on Comparison?

The Christian perspective on comparison aligns with Theodore Roosevelt’s wisdom:

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

1. Comparison steals your joy.

Casting shadows on the true self that God lovingly designed for you to be.

2. Comparison’s grasp snatches away your peace.

On social media and beyond, comparing appearances drains you and leaves you unhappy.

3. Comparison tends to make you isolate. 

Distancing you from genuine connections with others.

Recognizing your worth as a unique creation of God, you’re called to embrace

• gratitude
• contentment
• and self-love. 

By directing your focus toward your unique journey and God’s purpose for you — you unleash the genuine joy that remains steadfast in the battle with comparison.

9 Bible Verses to Help You Overcome the Comparison Trap

Meditate on these Bible verses so you can have the strength to become free of comparison culture. (I’m SO happy for you — you are embarking on a journey toward embracing your authentic God-designed self.)

1. Galatians 1:10 ESV

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

2. 2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

3. James 1:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

4. Psalm 139:14 NIV

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

5. Isaiah 45:9

“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’?”

6. Philippians 4:8 NIV

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

7. Philippians 2:3 NIV

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

8. Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

9. 1 Timothy 6:6 ESV

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Pay it Forward…

I’m truly excited to hear all about your transformational journey! Email me and let me know how it’s going! And consider sharing it with someone you care about, who might also be caught in the grips of comparison culture. Your story could be a beacon of hope for them too.

Sharing is caring! Share this post with someone who needs the life-transforming grace and love of Jesus. It’s super easy! Just tap any of the share buttons — to the left on your screen.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. You are loved, precious, and wonderfully made.