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Sibling Rivalry
Description
Genesis 4: 8
Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Sibling rivalry has been around since the very first set of brothers and will be around until Jesus returns. As a mom, we cannot rid ourselves of this curse, but we can teach our children about jealousy and the devastating effects jealousy has on a family and on each other.
In my family, I would call jealousy out and I even named it. We called jealousy The Green Monster. So, when my children were fighting over toys, envying the other sibling’s newest gadget, clothes, car, etc. I would say, “What is on your back?” My children would usually reply, “The Green Monster." I would say, “Get it off your back and address your jealousy or it will take hold of your life. You need to celebrate your brother/sister and be happy for them. Your day will come.”
Jealousy is a natural emotion that us humans struggle with. It has been around since the beginning of time. As moms, we must understand our enemy and teach against Satan’s schemes. Jealousy is a huge tactic that Satan uses to divide and destroy our family from within. Be wise moms and attack the source of the problem. You must address the issue at hand, but dig deeper and address the root of the problem with your children. Get your child to see where the jealousy is coming from—only then will your child begin to recognize what is going on and be alert enough to change.
Prayer
Father, My children do struggle daily with jealousy between each other. Teach me how to teach my children to love and respect each other and how to celebrate each other. God, I pray that I will be loving in my instruction with my children and not get angry. I pray that I may teach this principle of jealousy in a way my children can understand the lifelong devastation it can bring. Give me wisdom as I parent these wonderful children that you have graciously given me.
