Article October 5, 2015 Issue

Our love for our siblings

Lynn G. Jackson

In reading the familiar Bible story of Cain and Abel, we learn of the jealousy and anger of Cain toward his brother Abel. The Bible records that “Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:5), and that “Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him” (4:8).

We also read in Genesis of Jacob stealing the birthright and blessing that belonged to his brother, Esau (see Genesis 27:36). Joseph, too, faced jealousy and murderous intentions from his half-brothers (see Genesis, chap. 37).

Such accounts can make one wonder whether we can expect brothers and sisters to get along, or whether rivalry among siblings is normal, and nothing can be done about it.

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