My parents have taught me that as Christians, it is their responsibility to be training up the next generation of leaders in our country.
Something my Mama encouraged me to be thinking about today is this question:
"How does the way that I treat my brothers affect their future?"
I have five brothers, so it was not difficult for me to come up with some thoughts on this subject.
My Daddy and Mama are raising my brothers to be ready to be godly leaders.
One or more of my brothers may one day hold influential positions in our society, he may become a senator, a renowned lawyer, he could become just about anything.
How am I shaping them?
As sisters we have a vital role in the lives of our brothers. Your words and actions can bring life or deliver death. Guess what? Brothers and sisters are like boot camp for marriage. Your brother needs your help in shaping his character, values, and masculinity.
Proverbs 18:21
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of it's fruit."
Your tongue has the power to promote life, to build up, to encourage.
And it has the power to descend with death.
Do you ever cruelly tease your brother? Do you ever put him down? Do you make snide remarks?
Do you point out his failings? Do you often correct him harshly?
Do you treat him like a little boy, or like a man? Are you indifferent?
And on the other hand, do you ever praise him?
And if you do, do you ever do it publicly? Do you compliment him? Do you look for ways to be an encouragement to him? Do you show affection towards him?
No matter what it is that you are doing, it is having an impact on him.
Take a moment to think about that.
Now consider this. Are you enemies, or comrades?
Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Let me explain to you what this verse is talking about. "A brother is born for adversity" doesn't mean that God gave you a brother to fight and argue with, or to strive against.
Rather it means that you are to be fighting on the same side of the war, not against one another.
What we can do:
Do your utmost to become his friend rather than his enemy.
Look for character traits to encourage.
Hug him.
Praise him for something done right.
Build him up, don't tear him down.
Pray for him.
Encourage him in his masculinity.
Compliment him on his good looks and huge muscles. :)
Never ever put him down, make fun of him, or point out his wrongs.
Pray for guidance in loving him.
These are all things that will build up your relationship with your brother.
And let me also add that most of these things can be applied to all of your brothers in Christ.
I would encourage you to inspect your own heart and ask
if this is the attitude you have towards your siblings.
May God richly bless you today!!!
With all my love and prayers, Anna.
When I saw you had Proverbs 17:17 in your post, I was hoping you would have the correct interpretation of it... and I'm glad that you do. I've talked to my mother before about the verse, and she said it basically meant the same thing that you said. =) When my littlest brother was born, I was reminded of it fairly often. It's interesting, holding a new baby boy in your arms, and realizing that this baby is your brother spoken of in that verse.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your post. =)
You are such a wise young woman!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post!
I completely agree about being there for your brother and being a good example. Together you could grow stronger in your faith and closer to God. I have a brother, only he's so much older than I that I was just a little girl when he grew up and moved out on his own. But I do have a sister to build up and encourage and be built up by and encouraged by. We really are inseparable. Thanks for the devo, it really motives me to be the best sister that I can be. :)
ReplyDeletecheck out my blog if you have a chance - www.ThotSimplicity.com