Reasons to Be Nice to Your Sister

Sibling rivalry. It's a thing.

There might be some families where the siblings don't struggle to get along, but I'm pretty sure they live in a faraway land called "Nowhere."

I think that the reason for this is simple: we just don't try very hard to get along with the people who have to hang out with us.

Friends? Sure, they get our best side. Acquaintances? I'll even do my hair to hang out with you. But my parents/siblings/spouses/my own children? They are far more likely to get the "leftover" me--the one who is all tired out from being nice to everybody else.

I remember my mother warning me to treat my sisters more nicely. "One day, you are going to need your sister, and she's not going to be there for you because you chased her away. You have to treat your sisters at least as good as your friends if you really want them to be your friends." It was great advice, and I'm glad I finally listened, because my sisters are some of the best friends I have in the world.

Well as I watch my own children struggle with the early stages of this very ugly thing, I'm begging our Lord for light on how to help them choose to love their (currently annoying) sisters. The only thing I can think to offer is Jesus' golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" Matt 7:12.

The only way to transform our family relationships is if someone decides to live this out. Otherwise, we're all just treating each other the way we are treated. That's how ground wars are started.

Do you want to build a happy family? Do unto your sister as you would have her do to you. Do you want someone to be there for you when life hits you hard and you need help? Do unto your sister as you would have her do to you.

And for goodness' sake pray! Sometimes our relationships need more than a little kindness to heal.

Dear Lord, 

I offer you this prayer, to help me with my current relationship situation. Please take away all the pain and hurt in my heart. Fill it with love, joy, patience, and understanding. Bless me and _____, so that we may never surrender to whatever challenges that come our way. Fill our hearts with love for each other, and may you make each one of us realize each other's worth. Please touch the heart of my _____, fill it with much love for me. Make our complicated relationship become uncomplicated. I seek for your mercy and blessing that you may allow us to spend the rest of our lives with each other. Please make this feeling mutual for both of us. Lead us not into temptations. Guide us wherever we go. Always put us in each other's heart and mind. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer. I love you. Amen.

(Prayer taken from Catholic.org)