It is very strange to define the relationships of Sibling. You would be the best friend to your sibling for a minute and the next minute you can’t stand each other! If you have brothers or sisters you will understand the delicacies in the relationship with them.
The Bible is full of examples of siblings falling out – think of Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and even Mary and Martha. Often this led to great harm being done and isn’t how God wants things to be. The Catholic Church expanded the perfect day for Siblings’ on 29 July along with the feast day of Saint Martha.
The relationship between brothers and sisters can be one of the closest and most loving there is hence it is an example of how things should be in the Church family.
As we celebrate the perfect day for siblings’ you should have to recall your behaviour towards your siblings. How should we behave toward our brothers and sisters? Here are some practical points:
- Show them Respect and Kindness. Our behaviour towards our siblings is very casual and it can be tempting to be more casual always. This is not the right way to do it– do as you would be done by applying as much to close family as it does to anyone else. However, we have to be realistic, sometimes there are sibling rivalries. Usually, this is due to jealousy or selfishness; but even these are no excuses. You’ll find though that if you have these feelings, or if you face them in a sibling, responding with kindness will go a long way to overcoming them. If you feel that your sibling is in the wrong, remember that in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) Jesus told us to ‘love our enemies’, to ‘turn the other cheek’ and not to retaliate if provoked. Jesus also taught that we should forgive our brother, or seek forgiveness, even before something really important like worship (offering a sacrifice, see Matthew 5:23-24). Your siblings may be of varied interests and talents, but you should treat them with respect and kindness.
- Make time for them. Your siblings should be placed at the top of your priority list. Do not make wait for them if your support they need. There are some instances for you to prioritize:
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- Be there for them. Look out for your siblings and if you see that they are struggling with something try to help them. Maybe with school or college work, maybe with a relationship, maybe worries about the future, whatever it is, offer to help. This might be in a practical way or perhaps just by listening – having someone to talk to who won’t judge can really help.
- Talk to them. Talking to your siblings is a must matter to cultivate a good relationship. Make time for each other and spend time together. Go for a coffee or a walk. Catch up regularly especially if you don’t live in the same house.
- Pray for them. Praying for others is a big part of life. Make sure you pray for your siblings. Ask God to look after them and help them as they are your close ones. Ask Him to help you to love each other. Pray for their souls, that they will be converted if not believers, or that they will grow in grace and be close to the Lord if they are.
- Be loyal to Them. If they go into a wrong or mess up, you should give advice to them. Also, being loyal means that we won’t go behind our siblings’ backs or gossip about them to others.