Find True Peace & Love with Us (13)

Siblings growing up under the same roof are often the first peers we meet in life. Living and growing up in the same family can create the strongest bonds among brothers and sisters. Of course, small fights or competition among siblings are normal. Parenting experts say this is part of learning how to express emotions, get along with others, and become social beings. Through these experiences, children learn to interact with others. Parents should loosen their grip appropriately and let children learn and grow through these situations.

However, the news and media often show more than just harmless quarrels. Many siblings who got along well as children may turn against each other when they grow up—some even cut off contact for the rest of their lives. Looking into the reasons, it usually involves “common interests”: as children, they competed for their parents’ love; as adults, it turns into conflicts over inheritance.

In the Bible, Esau and Jacob faced a similar situation. Even in their mother’s womb, they struggled with each other. At birth, Jacob held on to his brother Esau’s heel. While growing up, one was active, and the other was quiet. Their shared interests, different personalities, and their parents’ favoritism all deepened the conflict. When they began fighting for “common interests” (the birthright and blessing of the firstborn), along with each parent supporting their preferred child, the family broke apart—Esau lived with hatred, Jacob fled in fear for many years, and their mother never saw Jacob again before she died. Who would have thought a family of four could end up like that?

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27)

How would the Lord Jesus handle sibling disagreements? When He heard Martha’s complaint that Mary was not helping with hospitality, He did not blame Mary, nor did He look down on Martha’s service or accuse her of disturbing His teaching. Jesus’s reply likely comforted Martha (“I see everything you do, and I am grateful”) and further encouraged her (“You need to know why you are serving”). His response repaired a possible conflict between the sisters and reminds us that before we serve, we should check our hearts.

Since God has placed us in a family with brothers and sisters, we should live out the principle of “being members of one body, helping each other,” so that the Lord’s love can fill our homes.

Let us build our families on the Word of God, making our homes a place where faith thrives and Christ’s love reigns. Come and learn more about the Doctrine through bible study, sermons and fellowship. We warmly invite you to our upcoming Spring Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) to discover how we can ensure a lasting spiritual legacy. Come, bring your family, and let’s run this race together in faith!

You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.  

Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM

Please find our church location below:

True Jesus Church

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
 Google Maps

In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.

Friday Evening Service:  7:50PM – 9:00PM

Saturday Morning Service:  10:50AM – 12:00Noon

Saturday Afternoon Service:  1:30PM – 2:40PM

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org