Sisters can be your closest friends or your toughest critics, but the Bible has some special things to say about sibling relationships, especially between sisters. From stories of biblical sisters to commands about family love, Scripture offers guidance on how to treat your siblings with kindness, patience, and understanding. Let’s explore the biblical principles of sibling relationships, how to strengthen bonds with your sister, and what God’s Word says about family unity.
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What Does The Bible Say About Sisters
Genesis 20:12
“Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife.”
This verse highlights the unique relationship between Abraham and his sister Sarah, whom he also married. It shows that sisters can have multiple roles and connections in our lives, whether biological or through marriage.
Ruth 1:2
“The manʼs name was Elimelek, his wifeʼs name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.”
In this verse, Naomi is mentioned as a wife and a mother to her two sons. It demonstrates the love and bond that exists between sisters who are not necessarily related by blood but share familial ties through marriage and life experiences.
1 Samuel 2:21
“And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.”
This verse references Hannah, who was blessed with three sons and two daughters. It emphasizes the special bond between sisters and siblings, as well as the profound impact their upbringing can have on their spiritual growth.
Proverbs 7:4
“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and to insight, ‘You are my relative.’”
Here, wisdom and insight are personified as sisters, emphasizing the closeness they bring to our lives. This verse suggests that seeking wisdom and understanding should be akin to valuing and cherishing our relationship with a sister.
Song of Solomon 4:9
“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.”
This verse showcases the intimate and affectionate relationship between two lovers, comparing the beloved to a sister and a bride. It reveals the depth of love and admiration that can exist between siblings and spouses.
Matthew 5:47
“And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
This verse challenges us not to limit our interactions and greetings to only those who are closely related to us. It encourages us to go beyond our immediate circle and extend love, kindness, and greetings to others, treating them as sisters and brothers in the family of God.
Matthew 10:35
“For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
In this verse, Jesus speaks about the potential conflicts that may arise within families due to following Him. It implies that the call to discipleship can create divisions even among siblings or within close-knit familial relationships.
Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our commitment to Jesus above all other relationships, even those within our immediate family. It challenges us to consider discipleship as a higher calling that trumps familial ties.
Acts 1:13-14
“When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
This verse showcases the unity and togetherness among the early disciples of Jesus, including His siblings. It highlights the importance of sisters being part of the community of believers and actively engaging in prayer and fellowship.
Romans 16:1
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.”
In this verse, Paul introduces Phoebe as a sister in Christ and a significant member of the church community. It illustrates the valuable contributions and leadership that sisters can bring to the Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 7:15
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.”
This verse addresses the situation where a believer is married to an unbeliever and the latter chooses to separate. It reassures that the believer, whether a brother or sister, is not bound in such circumstances, emphasizing the significance of living in peace.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This powerful verse highlights the unity and equality found in Christ, transcending societal divisions and gender roles. It indicates that within the family of God, there is no distinction between brothers and sisters but a shared identity as one in Christ.
Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
Although not explicitly mentioning sisters, this verse establishes the sacred bond of marriage. It conveys the concept that two individuals, a brother and a sister, come together to form a unified spiritual and physical union.
Ephesians 6:2
“‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘
While this verse instructs children to honor their parents, it implicitly highlights the special bond that sisters share not only with their parents but also with each other. It encourages siblings to treat one another with respect and reverence.
Colossians 4:10
“My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)”
This verse mentions the relationship between Mark and Barnabas, who is referred to as Mark’s cousin. It accentuates the familial ties and connection between brothers and sisters in Christ, even extending to those in the broader Christian community.
1 Timothy 5:2
“Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”
This verse instructs Timothy to treat others with a familial love and respect, including sisters, brothers, and mothers. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining pure and honorable relationships within the church community.
Hebrews 2:11
“Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”
This verse highlights the unity and kinship shared among believers. It underscores the profound truth that Jesus Himself calls believers His brothers and sisters, emphasizing the familial bond and spiritual connection that exists within the family of God.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
This verse reminds us to demonstrate respect and love to all, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the family of believers as our spiritual brothers and sisters, alongside our reverence for God and respect for those in positions of authority.
1 John 2:9
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”
This verse emphasizes the contradiction of claiming to walk in the light but harboring hatred or animosity towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. It challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure that our actions align with the love and forgiveness exemplified by Jesus.
1 John 3:14-15
“We know that we have passed from death to life because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
In these verses, the profound connection between love and eternal life is emphasized. It warns against harboring hatred towards our brothers and sisters, emphasizing that genuine love is a marker of true discipleship.
1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
This verse unequivocally states that love for God and love for our brothers and sisters are intrinsically linked. It challenges us to examine the authenticity of our love for God by examining how we treat and love our fellow believers.
3 John 1:14
“I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.”
This verse encourages personal connections, mentioning friends who send greetings. It reflects the warmth and affectionate bonds shared among brothers and sisters in Christ, even among those who are physically distant but connected by the Gospel.