Biblical Answer

Can I Still Be a Good Sibling if I'm Not Okay?

As a Christian, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, which includes our siblings (Mark 12:31). However, we often struggle with how to respond when we're not feeling our best. The Bible teaches us that we should "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). This means that even when we're not okay, we should strive to be there for our siblings and show them love and compassion. It's not about putting on a mask or pretending to be someone we're not; it's about being authentic and honest with our siblings while still being a source of encouragement and support.

In fact, the Bible teaches us that we should "encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This means that even when we're struggling, we should still make an effort to be kind and compassionate towards our siblings. We can do this by listening to them, validating their feelings, and showing them physical affection like hugs and high-fives. We don't have to be perfect or have all the answers to be a good sibling. We just need to be present and show our siblings that we care.

As we strive to be good siblings, we should remember that we are all in this together. We are all imperfect, and we all struggle with our own issues. But by being there for each other and showing love and compassion, we can build strong, healthy relationships with our siblings. And as we do, we will be reflecting the love and character of God to those around us. As the Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Let's strive to be siblings who embody these qualities and show our siblings what it means to love like Jesus.