It’s a given that all siblings do their share of bickering. But, that doesn’t have to be the norm, at least not in our house. While I do listen to my kids argue and sometimes be downright rude to each other, for the most part peace and love reigns. This is not an accident. This is something Nathan and I have intentionally taught our children from day one. Some of the principles we raise our kids by are these:
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil. 2:3,4
“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
”Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart.” I Peter 1:22
A word heard often in our house is “honor.” Honor one another, show preference for each other. We don’t believe that brothers and sisters need to grow up fighting and being angry with each other all the time, but that they can grow up being friends with each other, loving each other and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. We often tell the two older ones to watch what they do because the younger ones are watching.
This was evidenced this morning. Laura, as the oldest, will often serve her brothers tirelessly. And, quite frankly, they often take it for granted. But, today I saw something that makes me think all this talk of honor and love just may be getting through.
Today is Laura’s birthday, and although Nate, who is 10, went to bed late last night, he got up early and made Laura a birthday poster for outside her bedroom:
And he brought her breakfast in bed! Oatmeal, peanut butter toast and tea. He made it all himself and carried it up to her with no help or intervention from Mom; it was all his own initiative.
“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” I John 3:18
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