Relationships with Siblings - Part 2

“Not my brother, not my sister but it’s me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer” is such an appropriate song and prayer as we approach our heavenly Father in our relationships with our siblings.  Too many times we are quick to shift blame and deflect responsibilities on to our siblings … easy to do.  Choose the harder thing by your good example of leading and serving.  I am the oldest of three and to this day, I can still hear my mother say “love one another” – if I heard it once I heard it a thousand times.
 
Nobody loves us and irritates us like family...hmm.  Why?  Family knows how to press each other’s buttons better than anyone else – so why do we do it?  Sin nature; yep that’s it.  The Proverbs declare that there are friends that stick closer than a brother (18:24) and that brothers are born for adversity (17:17).  It doesn’t have to be this way when we, as families, actually love each other God’s Way.
 
Remember, that God is Sovereign (He’s in control) and that He is able/ ready to strengthen, support and develop you into an authentic brother / sister...one, who can love, forgive, accept and faithfully be there for a lifetime.  Who else can really love you through your hurts, habits and hang ups?  That’s what family does.  Let’s be honest, intentional and consistent in loving each other.  Want a faithful, trustworthy, helpful brother / sister?  Then be one yourself through the power of God’s love and God’s Word.  Be willing to sacrificially serve them.
 

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Camper Corner: Do your brothers / sisters drive you crazy?  Ever had them use your “stuff” only to break, misplace or trash it? Then welcome to real life.  Want to really mess with them … then take the high road by choosing a Christ-like example in your attitudes and actions.  Don’t be fake, insincere or distant – stop, look, listen to what and how God would have you respond.  Guess what:  younger siblings grow up and older siblings will appreciate you as the years go by – you’ll even have the opportunity to be true friends and most likely in each other’s weddings.  I promise you it will get better and don’t forget - God is sovereign.  Count on it!