Did you know the word “gloat” has Old Norse origins meaning “to grin”? Not that gloating is hard to not do. Because it is easy to not sit smugly in someone else’s success or misfortune even (see your shadenfruede reference), but it IS easy to sit happily in your own successes. Which is also gloating.
I have lived 45 years a Christian. That means love is my drug. I love knowing and feeling loved. Love has so many applications it will take the remaining years to explore it further. I was taught that gloating was hateful. It’s ego swelling kind of stuff. I am more loving with less ego. I heard it put this way, let’s say your neighbor gets a new car. Are you happy for him or her? Or envious. Best be careful. You just might just get into gloating. If you are happy for your neighbor, you could be next in line for a new car. Not that it would just appear necessarily. But your attitude sets you up for good things to happen. I prefer to error on the side of good. How about you?
I would have to say it is best to err on the good side of most things in life. It is such a gift when we get to see other people happy. It is one of my favorite parts about what I’m doing, being a wife, mom and friend.
In the same regard, I love seeing people’s success. And it is motivation and inspiration for me to do the same in my life.
So, I have a question (let me preface by saying I am not religious):
The commandment says, “thou shall not covet”, right? Is this motivation and inspiration I find in seeing other people’s success considered coveting?
I have to say, I am a fan of this band too.
Did you know the word “gloat” has Old Norse origins meaning “to grin”? Not that gloating is hard to not do. Because it is easy to not sit smugly in someone else’s success or misfortune even (see your shadenfruede reference), but it IS easy to sit happily in your own successes. Which is also gloating.
Sit and celebrate humbly.
I have lived 45 years a Christian. That means love is my drug. I love knowing and feeling loved. Love has so many applications it will take the remaining years to explore it further. I was taught that gloating was hateful. It’s ego swelling kind of stuff. I am more loving with less ego. I heard it put this way, let’s say your neighbor gets a new car. Are you happy for him or her? Or envious. Best be careful. You just might just get into gloating. If you are happy for your neighbor, you could be next in line for a new car. Not that it would just appear necessarily. But your attitude sets you up for good things to happen. I prefer to error on the side of good. How about you?
I would have to say it is best to err on the good side of most things in life. It is such a gift when we get to see other people happy. It is one of my favorite parts about what I’m doing, being a wife, mom and friend.
In the same regard, I love seeing people’s success. And it is motivation and inspiration for me to do the same in my life.
So, I have a question (let me preface by saying I am not religious):
The commandment says, “thou shall not covet”, right? Is this motivation and inspiration I find in seeing other people’s success considered coveting?