Nike vs Adidas. Coke vs Pepsi. Ford vs Ferrari. All classic rivalries.

If you’ve got multiple kids at home, you’ve probably got your own family rivalries happening on a weekly, if not daily, basis. So what’s the best way to deal with sibling rivalry? Let them work it out cage match style? Lay down rule after rule in the hopes that they’ll shape up? Just pray and hope that they grow out of it eventually? Parents, maybe you’re still working on a sibling rivalry of your own?

Everyone has rivalries – especially siblings. But here’s the thing: God knows that.

That’s why he gives us his Word to guide us through those rivalries.

God instructed Paul to remind us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. What does that mean? God forgave all our sins in Christ Jesus. On the cross, Jesus took away every wrong we’ve done—every harsh word, every selfish act, every fight. He didn’t say, “I’ll forgive you if you deserve it.” Instead, He forgave freely, fully, and forever.

The forgiveness we have in Christ allows us to let go of past wrongs and current arguments. It doesn’t excuse sin, but it does allow us to acknowledge it and move past it as a family. So the next time a rivalry in your home takes a turn for the worse, remind both siblings (and yourself!) of Christ’s forgiveness and encourage them to show that same forgiveness to each other.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13

Try this out!

Memorize this verse throughout the week: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

To help little ones remember, try using the following actions.

“Forgive” — stretch out arms wide like giving a hug.
​“as the Lord” — point up.
​“forgave you” — point to self and then others.

For older kids, try a “fill in the blank” approach. Write the verse on a board or paper, then erase one or two words at a time until everyone can say it from memory.

Don’t just keep these words in your head – live them from your heart!

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