There’s a popular saying: you can choose your friends but not your relatives. Often, it’s not until we grow up and look back that we cherish the time we had with our siblings. Even if you’re an only child, you can still have special relationships with your “brothers” and “sisters” in your faith who share the same Christian values you do.
Psalms (133:1, NIV) says, “…How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live in unity!”
Siblings who get along can work as a team. When one lacks a certain skill, the other can make up for it and support the other in order to accomplish great things. Moses and Aaron were brothers. Moses said he was not a good speaker, and therefore could not take on the responsibility of leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. God said not only would Aaron be able to help Moses talk to the people of Israel (Exodus 4:14) and Pharaoh, (see Exodus 6:30 – Exodus 7:1,2,3) but that He would teach both Moses AND Aaron what to say and do. (see Exodus 4:15)
Getting along with our siblings can build a special bond of love and support we can rely on in hard times. David also had a “brother,” but not by blood. His name was Jonathan, King Saul’s son. Saul was jealous of David and even tried to kill him, but because of David and Jonathan’s close friendship, they were able to deal with this difficult situation together. Jonathan understood David’s concerns and did everything he could to sympathize with him and protect him.
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were very special friends of Jesus, and they were siblings, too! They listened to Jesus’ message and showed him hospitality. These siblings were blessed with an extraordinary miracle when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Their shared common goal of faith and service bound them together.
So, why should we get along with our brothers and sisters? Because whether related by family or Christian fellowship, brothers and sisters can work as a team.
Like Moses and Aaron, they offer different strengths to support each other.
Although David and Jonathan weren’t actually related, their brotherly relationship enabled them to protect each other and endure hard experiences together.
Finally, beautiful things can happen when, like Mary, Martha and Lazarus, we share a common goal of faith and service with our siblings.
As we grow up, it may sometimes feel like there’s no one else on this earth who can understand us the way a brother or sister can. Protect that special relationship and be loyal, supportive and loving towards your siblings!
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com