Sisterhood SecretSample

Being an Older Sister Is Biblical

“These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children . . . ” (Titus 2:4).

Our call to share with a younger sister comes from Jesus himself. Jesus cared about the crowds and went through all the villages and towns teaching them, but he also called 12 men to be his disciples. The disciples walked alongside him, absorbing every aspect of who he was, what he knew, and how he acted. By doing life with Jesus, they became like him.

When Jesus’s work as a human on earth was done, he told his disciples to make their own disciples, to intentionally let others walk alongside them and absorb their Christlike lives. Jesus calls every Christian to follow him, including calling other disciples to follow our example and to be like Jesus. That includes women. We must invite younger women to follow us as we follow Christ. Paul specifically applies this to relationships between women in what I like to call “the Titus 2 mandate.”

Part of being a Christian woman, of following Christ, is to teach younger women how to live as Christians. Be encouraged. Notice that it’s not all super-spiritual truths that older women need to teach younger women. It’s the everyday things that give God’s Word credibility. Did you know that listening to the marriage issues of a younger sister could bring glory to God? Who knew that you could have a spiritual impact just by sharing child-raising tips? Every woman can give this gift to her younger sisters.

If we accept this call, it can have a powerful influence on a young lady’s life. The Bible tells us the story of Mary and Elizabeth. The angel pointed Mary to an older woman, Elizabeth, as an example of God’s grace and promises to work in her life (Luke 1:36). Elizabeth recognized what God was doing in Mary’s life. What an affirmation for Mary! When you invite a younger sister into your life, you have the favour of being part of what God is doing in her.

Reflection

Reflect on the younger sisters that God brought to your mind yesterday. Prayerfully ask God to show you how you can take the next step in building a relationship with them. Make a note of the ideas the Holy Spirit gives you: a phone call, a coffee date, a visit to her house, etc. Pray that God will prepare each sister’s heart to receive your invitation.