Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Thursday 2/18/10)

Today’s Devotional Was Written By A Young Woman God Has Given A Relevant Word: Tracy Koweh


Blood is Thicker than Water
Sibling or Stranger

Romans 16:17 (Amplified Bible)
17I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them.
   
    Growing up the only child for so many years, I was envy of most of my friends with siblings at home. I remember having every and any toy a child could ever imagine, but I remember not having anyone to play with after all my friends had to go home. Like most only children I always longed for the companion of a sibling. From the outside looking in, a big brother was there to protect you and a sister was someone to give or receive advice about boys, make-up and playing dress up. For me I didn't get to see the other side of having a sibling, always having to share your things, your room, your space, missing out on important events because you had to baby sit, or getting in trouble for something someone else did.
 
    Well, as I got older and my mother got married. I soon acquired several immediate sisters, and then two conceived during the duration of her last marriage. I didn't instantly get along with my "half" sister, but over time we formed a bond like no other. I could dislike her or say some not so nice things about her, but no one else could. We became protective of each other. Keeping secrets for each other, covering for one another, but most importantly just being there. See a sibling should be someone you can turn to in good times and bad. They should celebrate in your victories and pray for you in your failures. A sibling should be in your corner come hell or high water. They should want to see you prosper in every area of your life. They should not kick you when your down, or rejoice when you are broken. A sibling should be your "ride or die" buddy for life.
 
    I remember listening to my aunts and uncles talk about how six kids would take the beating for something that only one of them did. The five innocent children wouldn't dare say a word. They had an almost unspoken bond between them, if one goes down, we all go down. Also, my grandparents had established a "no telling" commandment in the house. If you were innocent and told on your brother or sister, you were thanked for your honesty and then beaten for your confession. The message that my grandparents were instilling in them, was to cover and protect each other at all cost. In today’s society we have parents turning siblings against one another. Playing favorites and acting as if one child is more deserving than the other. Some siblings are so disconnected from each other, they appear to be strangers under one roof.
 
    Today re-evaluate what role you play in the kingdom of God. Would Jesus recognize you as His brother or sister or as a stranger in His house. Do we live our lives in a way to protect and love Christ, or are we out for ours? When God blesses someone with love, finances, or healing, do your hate or rejoice? It is time for us to do a self check and make sure we are showing the love of Christ to all of our sisters and brothers.