Sibling rivalry has been around since Cain snipped, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Even in today’s society Cain’s deadly resolution of the rift between him and Abel is considered severe. Though Paul doesn’t specifically speak about familial brothers and sisters, he references the spiritual ones in most of his writings, encouraging the churches to welcome and love their brothers and sisters in Christ, even those like Onesimus—a biblical “Cousin Eddie” if you will—who were outcasts before becoming believers.
HOW DO YOU RELATE?
Read Matthew 18:21-22. How often are we to forgive our literal or spiritual brothers?
Now read the short book of Philemon. While reading, keep in mind that Onesimus, the slave to which Paul refers, ran away from Philemon and also stole from him. Onesimus has become a believer in the interim, and Paul writes to his former master encouraging him to reinstate Onesimus to his good favor and accept Paul’s repayment of the debt he owes. He reminds Philemon that Onesimus is now a “brother” and not a slave. How can you apply such forgiveness to your own siblings—both blood and spiritual—and resolve conflict that may have boiled for years?
Mona Dukes
South Carolina
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Texas State WAC Meeting in June.
