11 tips on how to be a better sibling.

Good day good day people,

I hope that today’s post meets you all well? These past few weeks I’ve come to appreciate the value, and importance of family A LOT more. As well as the blessing of being able to live together in unity rather than estrangement! To be able to call a person mother, father, sister, or brother is a blessing. Even though one may have the occasional disagreement, family member’s are a gift from God. I must commend my dad for always ensuring that me and my sisters reconcile and apologise after an argument. He, alongside my mother continually remind me and my siblings to strive to live in peace, and harmony.

In life, one thing which I’ve come to notice is that it’s extremely easy for us to focus on other peoples so called bad habits, whilst brushing off the fact that we have our own weaknesses too. We complain if individuals ‘nag’ us too much, but instead of complaining we should take a minute to try and see things from that person’s perspective. Nagging can be a persons way of showing that they care, and are concerned about a particular individual, or problem. Nagging can also be done due to a person feeling anxious, and feeling worried that things will spiral out of control. Anyways…… Let us try to be more understanding of each other, and a lot more patient with our family members, just as how Christ is patient with us, by DAILY forgiving us of our sins!

Ephesians 4:2 ~ Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Ephesians 4:32 ~ Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

I am on a personal journey of trying to be a better older sister to my younger siblings, through investing more TIME into their lives. I believe that quality time is one of the best love currencies. Without further ado I shall share a couple of tips on what I think can help one become a ‘better’ sibling.

Some tips

1. Love, love, love: You can never love too much. Aspire to love without limits, even when you ‘feel’ your sibling is not giving you the love you desire to get from them, love them the more. We shouldn’t do things to get things in return, that’s not a standard we should live by. We owe Christ a debt we can never repay, His death and resurrection brings us life. Even though we can never repay Christ for His love, He STILL chooses to love us, and we’re to follow in Christ’s footsteps. We’re commanded to love others by God, and this includes loving our siblings.

Mark 12:29-31 ~ “Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

2. Forgive ALWAYS: We’re called as believers to forgive those who hurt us. Forgiveness is a big part of the Christian faith. When Christ taught His disciples to pray, He encouraged them to forgive others during their DAILY prayer routine (The Lord’s Prayer). Forgiveness and reconciliation can bring about healing to broken relationships.

Matthew 6:12 ~ “and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”

3. Learn their love language: I believe that understanding the way a person likes to be loved, can help one better understand an individual on a deeper level. It can help you love more effectively, and can help your relationship become more intimate and fruitful. You will be better able to meet their needs 😊.

4. Encourage your sibling: It’s so easy to feel like you haven’t gotten very far in life, which is why it is necessary to have others remind you of the great things which God has done in your life, and through your life. Formulate the habit of consistently reminding your siblings that they have an amazing God given purpose. And that they’re AMAZING human beings! Support their dreams, goals, and visions.

5. Be there for them when they need you: Never be too busy for your loved one during their time of need. Always be available to help and support them, do not isolate yourself from those who you care about.

Proverbs 17:17 ~ A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

6. Give your sibling praise: Compliment their hard work. Tell them that they’re beautiful. Use God’s word to affirm them, so that they believe the truth, and not the lies which the media feed them.

7. Be polite: Love is NOT rude, show respect to your sibling even if they’re younger than you. Respect them as a human being made in God’s image. Kindly correct your siblings when they make mistakes in a gentle and loving manner. Avoid shouting or speaking to them in a condescending tone.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 ~ “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”

8. Surprise them with unexpected gifts at random times: Encountering a surprise experience or gift, is always pleasant (well in my eyes). When I was younger I used to love when my mum went out shopping because on random occasions she’d come back with a sweet treat for me, or tops for me and my sisters. Giving gifts has the power to open doors. When you’re out on a trip remember your siblings, and if you’re able to purchase them an item you’ll know they’d appreciate.

9. Place empowering notes around the house: I’m sure that you’ve worked out by now, that words of affirmation is my primary love language. I truly believe that words are extremely powerful, and play a major role in uplifting a persons day/mood. Also you can regularly send a loving text message, as frequent communication is key!!!

Ephesians 4:29 ~ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

10. Arrange dates together: Spending quality time with those you love is super important! Organise spa days, travel, get your nails done together, arrange a movie night or go to the cinema, eat together, go shopping. Talk, have deep conversations, throw a slumber party, go for a walk etc. There are SO many activities you can do to help bond with your siblings, both cost free, and paid for activities.

11. Pray for them: Sometimes we can feel powerless, or feel that there’s not much we can do to help our loved ones. But prayer is POWERFUL, and prayer causes situations to work together for the good of those who love The Lord, and are called according to His purpose.

James 5:16 ~ Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

1 Samuel 12:23 ~ As for me, I will certainly not sin against the LORD by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.

^^^ Never stop praying for your sibling/siblings.

I hope that today’s post gave you a few tips which you can implement into your everyday life. And I pray that God gives us all the strength, grace, and wisdom to love our families better.

God bless

Love from

Christian Lady After God’s Own Heart 💜