As kids, it is common to see brothers and sisters fight and tease; sibling rivalry is also apparent in many families. But we're supposed to grow out of that phase and GROW UP! In I John 2:10-11 we're sternly warned: "He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in Him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
Now I'm not saying that you have to LIKE your brothers or sisters....but we're supposed to LOVE them! Up close and personal--living in the same house with a sibling--causes you to "see" all their flaws and imperfections (and they see yours). The same is true re: our brothers and sisters in Christ. We place a higher "value" and "expect" more from family members than we do others. And when that standard is not met, it's easy to grow bitter, resentful, angry, judge them and not forgive them.
As a hospice chaplain I saw many siblings that had held a grudge or been hurt by their brother or sister--therefore, they hadn't spoken or seen one another for decades. Now one of them was dying....and the other finally came to reconcile. It was a tender, emotional, scene...it was so beautiful to see them "release" all the hurts, hatred, and just hug one another.
There's 5 things I truly believe need to be said/done before you (or the other person) dies. And the sooner the better!!!
- I'm sorry, please forgive me.
- I forgive you.
- Thank you.
- I love you.
- Goodbye (have closure).
"A person reveals the genuineness of the relationship with God by his relationship with others."
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