Sibling Rivalry
October 29, 2001

Our Thoughts:

Were there problems between the children in your family? I only had two brothers, one older and one younger. There was no sister to get upset with, but the boys were enough. My older brother would have done anything to make sure nobody bothered me. But he and I also went round and round on the brother/sister scene! My younger brother is five years younger, so it seemed he got his way with everything. Looking back, I'm sure it wasn't so, but it sure seemed like it then.

I have this friend who says her sister is still 'thin and sexy', while she is 'old, fat, and sassy'. She says her sister always had boyfriends coming round the house, while she was taking care of her parents. The rivalry must have been tough. There seems to not be much communication on the part of her sister, although she herself would love to share life with her. Sisters have grown up and apart. I suppose it's our nature to want things to be right and close between ourselves and our brothers or sisters.

Can you imagine what must have went on in the house with Jacob and Esau? Sibling rivalry caused Jacob and his Mother to deceive Issac and Esau's birthright was given to Jacob. But, this was not without consequences. I believe each of us will reap what we sow. If we sow righteous seed, then we will reap righteousness. But, if we sow discord and stay at odds with our brothers or sisters, we will not be at peace in our soul. We aren't able to straddle the fence between secular and spiritual. It's one or the other - good or bad - black or white - clean or dirty - NO in between. As with Esau and Jacob, we can regain our fellowship with our siblings, if we give our problems to God and trust that He can work them out. We need not get over into worry and depression over our relationship with our siblings. God says in His Word that with HIM, 'all things are possible'. If it looks as though you'll never have a meaningful relationship with one of your siblings, don't get over into fear and unbelief. Give it to God, the One who is able to do what is impossible with us!

God's Thoughts:

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Our Cup:

Heavenly Father, we don't always understand the reasons for things that happen in our lives. Help us keep our trust in you, knowing that you are able to do whatever is needed to bring peace to our hearts and lives, in every situation. We give you praise. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

©Copyright 2001 by Barbara Sanders. All rights reserved.
Not to be copied without permission.

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