by Beth Thompson

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another.”
{Romans 12:10}

What precious gifts the LORD has given us in our siblings! I thank GOD daily for these family friendships that He has blessed me with; relationships that are used as teaching tools by the LORD to grow and mature me into the woman that He desires me to be.

I am often reminded of how fleeting these years with our siblings are, and how important it is to be making the most of each moment that the LORD gives us as older sisters. What memories do I desire to have when I look back at this season as a daughter and sister at home? Memories of being too busy with my list and schedule to play music duets with my brother? Or that I took the time to step out of the whirlwind of the things that need to be done, and into the world of a child? I want to remember laughing, playing, and rejoicing with my siblings.

What are some practical ways that we can invest in our brothers and sisters? Our siblings need to know that we love them, not just “in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) The verbal “I love you,” before bed each night is not enough. Our brothers and sisters must know that we enjoy being with them, and that we delight in being their older sisters.

We must include them in our lives, even when it is sometimes more work to make bread with my little sisters than simply to do it by myself. The shining faces over the supper table, when two delighted little girls declare, “We helped bake this bread,” more than make up for the extra time and effort it took to include them in the task.

Some other ways we can love our siblings are:

• Giving them lots of hugs.
• Greet them with smiles.
• Ask them to spend time with you, instead of the other way around. Younger siblings are usually the ones to ask the older sister (or brother) for some attention. Would it not bless them if their sister came to invite them to join her on a walk, take part in a science experiment, or have a mini tea party?
• Spend time talking with them and listen to what they share with you; what they tell you is meaningful to them.
• Look for ways to make their day special. A sweet note or a cup of tea can brighten anyone’s day!
• Be quick to praise them, and slow to criticize or grow frustrated.
• Pray with them and for them. This is incredibly strengthening in our friendships, and faith building to see the LORD answer pray so faithfully.

That is truly what we desire most in our sibling relationships: to seek the LORD together. ♥

_________________________________________ This month, KBR is hosting an “Encourage Your Siblings Challenge.” Throughout April, we are posting one article each week by big sisters, who will share encouragement and ideas for how to bless the younger siblings in our lives. We would love to hear your ideas as well – feel free to comment. Feel free to tell your friends about this challenge and encourage them to join you as you “Encourage Your Siblings”! _________________________________________

This Month’s Desktop Wallpaper