Life is Good but Eternal Life is Better: Week #6 Sibling Rivalry

Sibling Relationships (Rivalry)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the (among you) church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”

Key Thought: “You’re out!” the umpire yelled. “He’s safe!” the coach hollered from the dugout. The runner hesitated, looked at the coach, then looked at the ump. A shake of the ump’s head, and the runner left the field. “He’s safe!” The coach hollered again. Players scattered out of range as he threw bats and kicked helmets. When he finished tearing up the dugout, he stomped onto the field to tear up the ump.” The scene is common enough in the major leagues. Emotions boil, and fights erupt routinely. Unfortunately, this is a scene that is quite common in your homes. The fight isn’t with an umpire instead it is with your siblings and you are willing to do whatever it takes to win the fight.
The Trouble Starts With…
• Jealousy – A sibling gets something or is treated differently than you are.
• Sharing – A sibling uses something of yours or you have to share time on the computer or even worse you have to share time with the TV.
• Personal Invasion – A sibling invades your space (bedroom), your time (babysitting), or your possessions (wears your clothes, plays with your gameboy and so on)
• Tattletale – A sibling tells your parents everything you do.
• Anger – A sibling has made you so mad you could just strangle them.

Remembering God’s Word …
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the (among you) church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
• Romans 12:17 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
• Ephesians 4:26 - "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”
• Matthew 22:37-39 - "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
• Leviticus 19:18 - "‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.

PC’s Tips for Dealing with Siblings:
1. Overlook Minor Offenses
• Don’t get bent out of shape over every little thing
• Be the better person and give a little bit
• Work at keeping harmony – Don’t be “pushing buttons”

2. Deal Healthily with Conflict
• Don’t point fingers or unleash personal attacks
• Stay calm even when others are not
• Work at seeing both sides of the conflict
• If your are wrong then,
a. Admit – what you did wrong
b. Apologize – for your actions
c. Accept – the consequences for your actions
d. Ask – for forgiveness
e. Alter – future actions

3. Take God’s Advice
• Matthew 19:19 – “love your neighbor as yourself.”