Sibling RivalrySample

Esther’s mother was just suggesting they go downstairs for snacks, when they heard a sharp scream.

“It’s Hannah!” Esther said, racing out the door with her mother close behind.

Hannah stood in the kitchen, glass everywhere. Across the front of her soccer jersey was a rapidly spreading red spot. It wasn’t blood. It was paint! Hannah had leaned on the table and toppled everything onto herself. The glass was in pieces on the floor. Hannah’s white uniform was covered in red paint.

“Help!” Hannah said.

“Don’t move,” said her mother. “I’ll get the vacuum.”

Esther was more afraid for Hannah’s soccer uniform. “Toss me your shirt,” she said. “I can keep it from staining if I wash it quickly.”

Hannah nodded gratefully. Esther brought the shirt to the sink. The cold water ran red over Esther’s hands. Then it turned pink, and after a few minutes it was clear. Esther held up the shirt for Hannah to see. All that was left of the accident was a faint, pink, blotchy heart.

“I like it even better now!” Hannah said. Then she added, “I’m sorry I wasted your paint.”

Esther took a deep breath. “I forgive you,” she said. “But I don’t know how to finish my jewelry box now.”

“Maybe I could hold your jewelry?” Hannah offered.

Esther laughed. “Not on your life!”

Even if we fight with siblings, we come together in a crisis. You should be able to count on your brother or sister when you’re in trouble. And if your brother or sister needs help, you pause any fights to help them.

When Abraham heard that Lot was in trouble, he stopped everything he was doing to help. Abraham used everything he had, all his fighters, to save Lot from danger.

It’s natural to see a brother or sister as your rival. But a sibling can also be your closest ally. As often as you’re fighting with them, make sure you’re fighting for them. You’ll want them to fight for you when it counts.

Try this: Think of something that you and you sibling fight about. Pretend that you are rulers of neighboring countries. Draft a treaty of alliance between you, with terms of peace.

Prayer: God, bring peace to my family. Help us stand up for each other. You can do anything, God. Amen.

We hope this plan encouraged you. Find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions