THE MAIN THEME:  WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: HANDLING SIBLING RIVALRY

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Proverbs 20:3 and Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.  

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

DEVOTIONAL

The bible recorded some sibling rivalry in the old testament, examples are Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers Leah and Rachel etc. These are clear indications that misunderstanding one another at one point or the other is part of our family dynamics. The good news is that the bible provided guidance on how to handle sibling rivalry because our siblings are an integral part of our life journey.

Most times, the root cause of sibling rivalry is jealousy, competition for parental love and attention and wrong perspective to life. Jesus prayed for the unity and love among his disciples” that they may be one”. When we see ourselves as one body and spirit, then we will be wise to put away malice, wrath, anger, backbiting.

Our text in Proverbs 20:3 affirms the ability to put an end to conflict as a test of our character. It is honourable and wise to embrace peace and forgiveness.

Today may we imbibe empathetic listening, trying to understand others before trying to make them understand us. 

Remember “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Pro 15:1. ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity..’ PS 133:1. 

It is God’s will for brethren to live together in unity and love.

Here are a few reflective questions;

• Am I honourable to the point of putting an end to strife?
• What traits should I put away to foster peaceful co-existence with my siblings?

Let us Pray:

Thank you Lord for your word to me today. I receive grace to put an end to all manner of strife and contention and may your love richly dwell in me. Amen

Please say these words of affirmation.  Say them, mean them, own them and live them

• I am an embodiment of God’s wisdom and I am honourable
• I am gentle, kind, respectful and I love to spread peace wherever I go.

Do enjoy your day free of all forms of strife against your siblings. I’ll see you, tomorrow.