We were created for family and it’s in meaningful connection with family that we thrive. We need fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and the like to experience the fullness of what God has for us. And this need is not limited to the members in our home growing up.
For instance, we need mother and father figures to support us throughout our life, not just in childhood, and not just from the parents who raised us. Coaches and mentors, caring neighbors and loving church members all pour into us in many ways throughout the different seasons of our life.
And a similar dynamic is needed from our brothers and sisters as well.
We need brotherly peers to sharpen and refine us, to challenge and support us as only men can do with other men.
And we also need the feminine wisdom, insight, and care that only sisters can provide.
Both are needed in their own right. And one doesn’t replace the other. We need the intentional love and attention that comes from both the masculine and from the feminine.
It’s often our lack of intentionality that keeps us from developing the strong and deep bonds needed from the brothers in our life. We tend to settle for mere casual connecting rather than forging the relationships that allow for iron to sharpen iron.
And it’s often fear that keeps us from connecting in meaningful ways with the sisters in our life. And while wisdom and boundaries are needed in every relationship, we should not let fears and the mistakes of others hold us back from the many gifts our sisters offer to us, and us to them.
In the end, we need the family of God to surround us throughout our life, and this includes all our brothers and sisters in Christ as well.
Life without our siblings leaves us impoverished and alone.
Connect with the many brothers and sisters throughout your life and allow their unique presence to refresh your soul and enrich your life.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
One Comment