International
Sibling Rivalry
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1 John 2:9-11 Someone might say, “I am in the light,” but if they hate any of their brothers or sisters in God’s family, they are still in the darkness. Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. But whoever hates their brother or sister is in darkness. They live in darkness. They don’t know where they are going, because the darkness has made them blind.
It’s easy to go along to church each Sunday, sing the songs, listen to the sermon, pat yourself on the back and yet … still harbour a quiet disdain for some of the people in your life. And that, that right there, is a problem for God.
One of the things that happens a lot in families, is sibling rivalry. It starts off when we, as children, exercise our selfishness and immaturity. As far as the average child is concerned, the world revolves around them. Totally. It’s their one and only world view.
And the job of parents, is to teach each child that the world doesn’t revolve around them. That’s the process of growing up.
And a person is mature, when they’ve learned to effectively balance their needs, against other people’s needs.
Yet some people grow up, never learning how to do that. They hate their brothers and their sisters. Not just their natural ones, but the people around them.
And you know something, their hearts are full of darkness. They’re blind to the needs around them. They’re awful people to be around.
And that … that is one hell of a tragedy. Literally.
So – if that cap fits, wear it. Grow up.
1 John 2:9-11 Someone might say, “I am in the light,” but if they hate any of their brothers or sisters in God’s family, they are still in the darkness. Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. But whoever hates their brother or sister is in darkness. They live in darkness. They don’t know where they are going, because the darkness has made them blind.
If there’s someone in your life whom you hate, if there’s someone you haven’t made peace with, it’s time to do something about it.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
Comments
Deborah Foresee
This is so true, I have also learned if you don’t like and love yourself in a balanced way it is impossible to truly love someone else totally and completely
I love reading anything to do with my Saviour and it reminds me of how I should always act
I’m not where I need to be but thank God I am not where I used to be
Faith Modise
I have struggled with this for a very long time and I thank God that these past months I’ve been praying for unity between me and my siblings. We grew up loving each other until we started working and the cars of this world overtook us. We became selfish and cared more about what God has blessed us with than our love for each other. I went through a rough time in 2015 and none of my siblings came to my rescue. I started questioning if we really belonged to the same parents. I was so angry and slowly developed a hate towards my brother because when he needed help I’ve always been there. I was so darkened by this I stopped talking to him, he asked for help 3 years later and I first helped him and the next time refused to help to give him a taste of his medicine. I’ve also had similar problems with my sister. The Lord started dealing with me on these issues to forgive and stop harboring bitterness, the journey has been awesome and I’ve forgiven both of them..thank you for this sermon. Unforgiveness is a bondage that will keep you away from the blessings of the Lord. I no longer want any part of it. I pray for my whole family in its entirety and I bless them every day. Thank you Lord for freeing me. And thank you for this sermon Berni.
Regards
Faith