Love your Brother and Sister

“We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God”, yet hates his brother he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command; “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

1 John 4:19-21

Do you have a sibling? Do you have a close friend that you would consider a brother or a sister? How is your relationship with them? Do you love them like Christ says we should?

The Bible tells us before we come before God we must first reconcile with your brother. The Lord does not want you to have broken relationships with your brother or sister. It was all apart of his plan for your life that you would have a brother or a sister. To turn away from them, to talk bad about them or to ignore them is also doing the same to Christ.

I know friend it can be hard when your brother and sister have done you wrong. When they have hurt you over and over again. How can you trust them, how can you forgive?

I love the story of Joseph and the forgiveness he gave toward his brothers. Realizing that the harm his brothers caused him was used by God to do great and wonderful things.

Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”(Genesis 50:19-21).

Dear Forgiving Father,

Please help us to have a heart change toward our brother and sister, who have done us wrong. Help us to forgive them, the same way you have forgiven us time and time again. Our flesh is weak and our hearts our broken. Give us the strength to take the next step, whether it is picking up the phone, speaking to them in person or writing a note. Help us grow in our faith as we display the love of Christ toward our brother and sister. We know that only you can heal our broken heart and disappointments. Holding on to anger and resentment only draws a wedge between us and you Lord and we will never be able to experience true fellowship and worship with that gap in the way.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Charity O