Brothers Of Adversity

Brothers of Adversity

In any family, just like on any team, there is going to be conflict. The older my sons get, the more conflict they seem to have. I am constantly on them about being kind to each other and building each other up instead of tearing each other down. As a matter of fact, as the Christmas holidays were coming to a close one year, I commented to my wife that I was ready for the kids to go back to school.

We’re not the only family who deals with conflict. A buddy of mine took one of my sons on an extended hunting trip with his sons, and when he returned, he said, “I sure hope your son isn’t truthful with you about how my sons behaved toward each other.” I looked at him and said, “Sounds like they are fighting for pack dominance.”

Brothers fight, don’t they? Sometimes it’s a bit extreme, and if there isn’t a moderator, they can end up really hating each other. But when there is good leadership in the home, the wrestling for dominance can actually be something that prepares them for the world that lies before them. You and I both know that it is a fight out there, and the last thing we want to do is send our sons into the fight unprepared.

Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” Sometimes that help is preparation for what lies ahead. If you have a brother, give him a call, reflect on your conflict, and thank him for helping you get ready for the life you are living today. He played a bigger part than you realize.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Proverbs 17:17