Thanking God for People

I wish I didn’t even have a sister! I wish I wasn’t part of this family!

Sibling conflict cuts to the heart of family cohesiveness and love. Fighting children disturbs the peace in multiple frustrating, heartbreaking ways. Slammed doors cancel out tender relationships. Sneaky revenge feeds feuds for years. Rivalries diminish self-worth and thwart acceptance. When brothers and sisters should be each other’s greatest allies, constant bickering leaves everyone feeling alone.

So what’s a parent to do?

When siblings clash, hearts harden. To soften the heart, to grow the love, perspectives have to change. And learning to have a heart of gratitude can help with that.

Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.
Philippians 1:3-4 (CEV)

We can become irritated with each other over the tiniest things. And when we focus on the negatives, the positives can be forgotten. We easily forget that other people are gifts from God to us. That no matter how self-sufficient we are, we need people in our lives. Sooner or later, we realize life is better when lived in community, and we should be grateful for those whom God allows to be part of our journey.

So, with your children, practice thanking God for people. Thank God for the amazing, diverse, funny, interesting, and charismatic people he made. Thank him for the unique perspectives they bring, which fill out our blind spots in areas where we are limited. Thank him for how they help us and challenge us to become better. Thank God for the unique role they play in helping you fulfill your purpose.

It’s not a quick fix. Very few matters of the heart are. But when our kids learn to appreciate others beyond their faults, they will also learn to love them better.

PRAY

Lord, I pray that my children would learn to appreciate each other better and be more supportive of each other. Please help me and my family be grateful for the people you have made. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What are five reasons you appreciate your siblings?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Philippians 4:6-7

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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This devotional was written by Tonia Gutting for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website.www.myherosquad.org. We hope that it serves as a blessing to you and your family.