Psalm 133:1
How wonderful, how beautiful,
when brothers and sisters get along!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I just read a book called 1-2-3 Magic*, written by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D. This book is subtitled “Effective Discipline for Children 2-12”. Phelan has an interesting approach to parenting effectively – and with joy – and he discusses sibling rivalry in several sections of his book. Some of Phelan’s statistics were quite interesting. He notes that all siblings will fight, and those ages 3-7 fight about three or four times per hour, while some younger children fight as much as 6 times an hour. Phelan claims that kids ages 10-15 have the highest rate of sibling rivalry!
I won’t detail how Phelan recommends handling sibling rivalry…but he admits that there are times that a separation – or “time out” – is necessary for all parties. He advocates a “1-2-3” approach of “3 counts” and then a “time out”. I couldn’t help but think of counting to Timothy one day, and when I got to “2”, he said, “Don’t make me count to THREE!”
All you have to do is read the book of Genesis to see that sibling rivalry is nothing new! But here’s where I think this verse in Psalms applies to us as Christians. In too many areas of our life, we have stopped trying to get along. We’ve adopted the philosophy that “It’s my way or the highway”…and everyone else is just plain wrong if they disagree with us!
I believe that Psalm 133:1 is about getting along with ALL of our brothers and sisters…not just those with whom we share parents. God delights when His creations live in harmony…are patient, kind, tolerant and loving toward one another. Jesus demonstrated grace, mercy, and forgiveness…and He called on us to share these “fruits of the Spirit” with others…to honor God and all that He has bestowed upon us. And this means that we must hold our tongue (more often than most of us would like!)…and sometimes walk away and/or take a physical break from a “sibling” who is upsetting us in some way.
Ask God to show you how to operate more in love rather than “sibling rivalry”. Don’t take the “count” to three…learn to call on the power of the Holy Spirit and stop with the first hint of animosity or disagreement. Honor your relationship with God by developing love and tolerance for others…even if they make you “count to three”!
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.amazon.com/1-2-3-Magic-Effective-Discipline-Children/dp/1889140708/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422029621&sr=1-1&keywords=123+magic&pebp=1422029624302&peasin=1889140708
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