What does the Bible say about how to handle a sibling rivalry?
Here's the answer:
The Bible tells us we should handle sibling rivalry in a way that honors God.
The first instance of sibling rivalry is found between Cain and Abel. Cain was jealous of Abel because God liked Abel’s sacrifice better than Cain’s sacrifice (Genesis 4:3-5). Due to Cain’s jealousy, Cain killed Abel. This is not the correct way to handle sibling rivalry. Instead, we need to work out our differences with our siblings in a way that honors God.
God doesn’t want us to hurt our siblings. He doesn’t want us to think badly about them either. Instead, God wants us to work through our problems with His help. Jesus tells us the two greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40). When we love God and love others, we will be able to handle a sibling rivalry. Love covers all wrongs (Proverbs 10:12).
Rivalry can stem from hate, jealousy, or pride. Since we all sin and fall short of God’s glory, these sins can rise in our hearts. Instead of giving into hate, jealousy, or pride, we need to turn to God and ask for His help. God can give us help if we ask Him for His strength. We cannot solve sibling rivalry without God’s help. We have to love God and love our siblings in order to resolve conflicts.
Bible Truth
"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters" (Hebrews 13:1).
"Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind.' This is the first and most important commandment. And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' Everything that is written in the Law and the Prophets is based on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40).
"Hate stirs up fights. But love erases all sins by forgiving them" (Proverbs 10:12).
