Gospel Siblings & the One Anothers

When people think about siblings, the first thing that often comes to mind is "Sibling Rivalry." We envision kids fighting over toys, refusing to share, chasing each other around the house, and wrestling until a parent, or referee rather, breaks it up.

In a home aiming to enjoy the Gospel, however, siblings can become Gospel Siblings who get to demonstrate the 'One-Anothers' of Scripture to each other long before they have the chance to practice these commandments in other communities.

A brother and sister can learn what it means to "live in harmony with one another" (Romans 12:16) and "be at peace with one another" (Mark 9:50) in the day-to-day flow of family life. When parents disciple their children and share the joy of the Gospel of Christ in the home, children can begin living it out in their relationship with their siblings.

THE 'ONE-ANOTHERS' OF SCRIPTURE

Scripture calls us to..

"love one another" (John 13:34)
"accept one another" (Romans 15:7)
"be patient with one another" (Ephesians 4:2).

These are three things parents naturally teach their children anyway, but when we teach the One-Anothers from Scripture, our children begin to see that this is more than good advice or family rules; this is the Word and will of God.

Instead of simply leading a family devotion on Galatians 5:13, we can help create opportunities for siblings to "serve one another in love" by leading children to help clean each other's rooms or put away their clothes.

As they get older and find themselves in other communities of friends and believers, serving will come naturally and their serving will be deeper than just good manners; it will be an overflow of the Gospel.

REPLACE SIBLING RIVALRY

Consider how you can help your children beging to reflect the 'One-Anothers' of Scripture to each other this week as they look for opportunities to..