What does the Bible say about sibling rivalry and how can I get my kids to get along? (Part 2)

If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. (1 John 4: 20)

Years ago while I was reading through the Bible book of 1 John, I suddenly saw how this verse was relevant for parenting and my family life.

The Apostle John states that if you do not love your Christian brother you do not love God. Why? Simple, it’s easier to love someone that you can see than it is to love God who you cannot see.

The principle involved is that we all must walk before we run, the simple before the difficult.

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What is Christian Parenting? (Part 1)

How would you answer this question? If you’re like I was, and probably most Christian parents, you would answer this question by saying, “It’s taking them to church, praying with them, getting them to read their Bible and hopefully seeing them give their hearts to Jesus; stuff like that.”

Let’s look at how God’s Word defines Christian parenting by examining Paul’s main comment on the topic.

Ephesians 6: 4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (NIV)

According to this section of scripture Christian parenting involves at least two main elements; the way we parent and also the purpose and content of our parenting.

The first element is straightforward and outlined in the first line of this verse; I like how the Message paraphrases it, “Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them.” An essential part of Christian parenting is that we are to act in a Christ like way in front of our children and especially towards our children.

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