Yello! So, I've been praying a lot for God to reveal my sins to me and give me the strength to overcome them (along with other things of course). I've also been praying separately about this seed of darkness I hold inside me concerning my family ; I've never understood why it exists. These two prayers were overlapping, as I found in the end. Why? Where did this come from God? Then came my answer: I had never fully coped with being an older sibling. I'm only just now in the process of asking for forgiveness, but to be completely honest, I don't know what else to pray for. I'm not sure who reads this but please take the time out to pray for me in this new journey. And for anyone else out there who feel the same, please take this time out to pray for yourself as well.
Being an older sibling is a huge responsibility. They told you that when they decided to have another child. Not knowing what that meant, you nodded your head as if you understood. As soon as that baby came, like it or not, you became the adult (without any adult benefits). The only thing that really kept you is the "Thank you for being so ____" from your parents. That affirmation made all the frustration from the mischief your younger sibling's actions go away. We always would seek our parents approval. And face it, your younger sibling may never have as close a relationship with your parents as you do, so that unspoken connection made (and always will make) you feel special.
Like it or not, all of us Christians are like the older sibling. We are all God's children, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. In Genesis 4, we see how an older sibling that did not rise to the occasion was cursed. Have you ever felt that as the oldest, nothing you did was good enough? You brought home a B just one time and you were disciplined, your little sister brings home many Bs and gets praise. Well, Cain felt this sort of frustration and let it control him. He did what he thought was best but did not meet the standards of God. Instead of correcting himself, he killed his brother (because obviously the little brother is the problem). No, friends. We are to be an example to our younger siblings in the same manner we are to be an example to nonbelievers, our younger siblings in Christ.
Am I my brother's keeper? Let's see what the Bible has to say.
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
1 John 3:17 ESV
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:1-2 KJV
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.”
Romans 15:1-2 KJV
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 KJV
We are called to open our hearts to one another, bear one another's burdens, help those that are not as strong as us, be an example to those around us, need I continue? Older siblings, seeing some similarities? It feels like the job is never done with watching our younger siblings, and it's true. Our job here on Earth and older siblings will not be done until we hear that affirmation from our Father.
“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
Revelation 21:6-7 KJV
So carry on in love, older siblings, this isn't a punishment but rather extra practice for winning souls for the Heavenly Kingdom!! Your younger sibling(s) and the world is watching you closely, looking for a light to guide their way. Yes, you'll make mistakes, but continue to abide in Christ, continue to grow in Him daily, allow your character to meld into His.
God bless you, beautiful people❤️❤️
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