It is my hope that if you have a sibling or siblings you rejoice in it. Did you know there is a National Siblings Holiday celebrated each year on April 10th? I had no idea there was such a day until I was reading an article that mentioned Sibling Day. As I read the article, I reminisced about my brothers and sister and how each of them has impacted my life in such positive ways. If it had not been for my brothers and sister, I am uncertain about where I may have ended up in life. My siblings were great encouragers and motivators throughout the years, and even now. It is a blessing to have known that your siblings would be there with you in the best of times and the worst of times. When no one else shows up, there is an expectation that these family members would do so.
In some families, siblings are best friends and in other families, unfortunately, they are the worst of enemies. If you fall into the category of being enemies, it is my prayer that you might repair your sibling relationships now. Siblings can encourage and inspire us to do great things beyond our imagination. If you are from a large family like mine, you can probably remember how an older sibling helped and provided for you in so many ways over the years.
There is a special bond formed between brothers and sisters within families starting from childhood throughout adulthood. It is a bond that can be everlasting, for as we grow older, we can appreciate our siblings even more than ever. Think about those times you went to church together, to schools, colleges together, and in some cases even having careers together. Some of our most embarrassing moments were in the presence of brothers and sisters who did not condemn us for our actions and failures. They continued to support and cheer us on.
In an attempt to keep this message short, I simply admonish you to celebrate your siblings and the wonderful times you have spent together in the past and the time you spend with each other presently. I do not know what your relationship has been or is with your siblings, but I would not take anything for my brothers and sisters. If there is a strain on your relationships, start working today on mending those differences. They are too important for us to ignore or forget. Take time today and celebrate your siblings in some special way. It may be just a phone call to catch up on family news.
While writing this message, I thought about the third saying of Jesus while He was on the cross. “Woman, behold, thy son! Behold, thy mother!” He is asking the disciple John to now take care of His dear mother. We wonder why He asked the disciple John to take care of His mother, rather than one on His biological brothers as we see in scripture. According to Matthew 13: 55 and Mark 6:3, James, Joses, Jude and Simon are mentioned as brothers of Jesus. Verse 56 mentions that Jesus had sisters, but they are not named. The good news is that Jesus’ brothers were converted after the resurrection of Jesus.
Throughout scripture we have read about sibling rivalry, but we have also seen instances of brotherly and sisterly love. The Bible says, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20).
Again, take time today to show some love to a sibling. That person may be the one person who cares about you in your old age. Yes, we may get on each other’s nerves periodically, but the truth be told, I get on my own nerves sometimes, but it is short lived.
Oops! Just another thought came to mind. Sometimes a person who is not your biological brother or sister can be just that in a relationship.
Not a sermon, just my thoughts.
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
