Follow-Up from Rebekah’s Session
at the Joyful Daughters Conference
Four Key Qualities of Being a Godly Sister
by Rebekah Parish
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”
(1 Peter 3:8)
No matter what, we are going to influence our siblings–either towards the Lord and His ways, or away from Him. As sisters, we have the exciting opportunity to deeply and eternally impact our siblings’ walk with the Lord . . . and bear MUCH fruit to His glory!
However, trying to do anything for the Lord on our own will only end in failure. All our strength and ability to love our brothers and sisters must come from Christ, our Source. It is HE Who works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (paraphrased from Phil. 2:13)! It takes daily investment in our relationship with Jesus for us to be able to invest Jesus into our sibling relationships.
The “Four Be’s” are four character qualities of a sister who has a wide, Godly influence. We talked about the importance and beauty of these four qualities in our daily interactions with our siblings:
- Be Sensitive
Have a quick and delicate understanding of others’ feelings. Being glad for good things they experience or grieve/hurt with them. Try to be all there. Put their interests above our own. Little siblings are little people in progress. Look deep in their eyes, really listen to them. Think of when I was their age. Recognize differences as God’s intent and purpose. Affirm different experiences/interests. Also quiet. Brothers – respect space, let them work through things. Be creative. Not adding to spiritual struggles – on their side. Be willing to give up freedoms so they can grow. Pray for wisdom. Serve together.
- Be Humble
…that others might see Jesus in us, more than the fact that we are “right.” Quietly search our heart and have perfect quietness there – expect nothing, be at peace. Jesus is the perfect example of flawless humility. Jesus’ perfection, only ambition, concerned about Father’s will.
- Be Uplifting
They too have battles/decisions up against them. Be messengers of His love and truth. Selflessly set our own needs & interests aside. Live each day joyfully. Support them. Bring needs to the Lord in prayer. Enthusiastically cheer them on in the gifts He’s given them. 1) Stayed in constant fellowship with Father, 2) let go of own needs/desires/interests. Younger siblings: little things, praise. Notice them and be aware of their needs. Sisters: don’t belittle them, treat like our own age, be open and available with them. Brothers: respect them and give them more and more responsibility. Don’t crush their confidence. Choose encouragement more than criticism.
- Be Faithful
Opportunities are going to arise. Hypocrisy ruins. Are we doing things we tell them not to do? Our siblings see the real us. Do I talk about the Lord in everyday settings? God’s love is unconditional. The Lord’s purpose is in the process. It isn’t about making no mistakes, but letting the Lord fill us with His strength.
This is how we model Christ!
Session Follow up: Practical Application
Take a moment to CONSIDER each of your siblings’ hearts, and IDENTIFY what they most need today.
- Maybe it’s encouragement,
- a listening ear,
- respect,
- humble repentance or forgiveness from you,
- praise,
- a few minutes of your full attention,
- or loving prayers for their growth in Jesus.
Then ask the Lord to help you every day to be sensitive to His voice laying your siblings’ needs on your heart . . . and be obedient to it!
Scripture to Ponder and Memorize
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Personal Evaluative Questions
- Am I driven by a deep desire to plant many seeds of Jesus’ love and truth in my brothers’ and sisters’ hearts?
- What are some of the rewards of being humble in my interactions with my brothers and sisters?
- If one of my siblings were to describe me to someone else based on the words that come out of my mouth on a daily basis, would he/she say I was an uplifting sister, or a negative, sour one?
- Am I valuing my time, a hobby or an activity I enjoy above my brothers and sisters, or is it clear to them that I treasure them above my other interests?
- How could I be a better example to them of Jesus’ faithful obedience to the Father?
If you would like to hear Rebekah’s entire session,
it is now available for download.
Did you miss it?
Audio recordings of the conference sessions are now available for download!
Pictures of KBR’s Joyful Daughters Conference are now online. We will continue to post follow-up notes from conference sessions in coming weeks on this forum—stay tuned!
Thank you so very much for sharing this from Rebekah’s session. I have truly enjoyed reading the follow-ups to these sessions, they have all been very excellent and such an encouragement to me in my Christian walk. May the Lord bless you, dear sisters!
Looking unto Jesus,
Lydia Grace