Oh, Brother

Throughout our travels, we encounter hundreds upon hundreds of people.  Some we simply pass by, others we consider our acquaintances, and there are a select few we truly value as friends. Within this category of friends, however big or small it may be, lies another subcategory labeled siblings. 

            The idea of our sibling being considered a friend may seem like a stretch, especially because, whether they are older or younger, we have most likely all fought with our siblings more than anyone else in our lives.  This fighting however, not supports the argument that a sibling is a friend, but proves it almost entirely.  The reason there is perpetual feuding between siblings is because a sibling is the one person who knows us better than anyone else.  Therefore they are able to see us for us and call us out on things we are doing wrong. This ability, although many times preformed tactlessly, allows a sibling to inadvertently show us how to be better people.

            The bond between brothers and sisters is so unique, that it simply cannot be replicated or replaced by other people.  Because the bond between us and our brothers and sisters is so uniquely strong, we are always able to get over the arguments that we have with each other, grow from them, and learn about ourselves and one another.  A friend, no matter how close, will never be able to have the full and complete disclosure a sibling is inherently able to have with us. 

            It is for this reason that God created us with both siblings and friends. Although there are can be many similarities between the two, a true friend will always like you for who you are, whereas a sibling will always love you.  This means that even though your brother or sister will always love you, they will definitely not always like the person you have become.  Luckily, it is only a brother or sister that will be able to fully explain to you why, and help you to change and evolve into the person both they and God want you to be. 

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for adversity”