Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude is a German word and means damage (Schaden) and joy (Freude). So it literally means experiencing joy when someone else experiences loss. It’s so different from Jesus who had deep empathy with everyone suffering loss. This is why Paul says that a more appropriate reaction would be to weep with those who weep, and be happy with those who are happy. Schadenfreude is rife in our culture. We see it on social media, sports and television.

It’s easy to be taken up with collective schadenfreude and, along with the group I belong to, be happy about others' suffering, but that doesn’t change the fact that it doesn’t promote true connection.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask for the grace of a life free from comparison. In the sweet Name of Jesus, Amen.