What Does The Bible Say About Sisters?

Sisters share a special bond that is celebrated throughout the Bible. If you want to know what the Bible says about the relationship between sisters, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Bible encourages love and unity between sisters, calling them to support, honor, and cherish one another.

Old Testament Examples of Sisters

Sarah and Rebekah

Sarah and Rebekah are two iconic sisters mentioned in the Old Testament. Sarah was the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. Rebekah later married Isaac and gave birth to Esau and Jacob. Though from different generations, Sarah and Rebekah share some interesting connections.

Both women struggled with barrenness but miraculously conceived children in old age. Sarah gave birth to Isaac at age 90 while Rebekah conceived twins at age 40. Their stories illustrate God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham’s lineage.

Additionally, both sisters played active roles in securing wives for their sons. Before Sarah’s death, she insisted that Abraham arrange for their son Isaac to marry from among their relatives rather than the local Canaanites.

Similarly, Rebekah orchestrated events so her favored son Jacob would marry her brother Laban’s daughter Rachel.

Leah and Rachel

Leah and Rachel were sisters who both married Jacob. Jacob’s intention was to marry only Rachel, his true love, but he was tricked into marrying Leah first by their father Laban. This led to a complicated domestic situation with rivalry and tension between the sister wives.

Though less loved initially, Leah bore Jacob his first four sons and later a daughter. Rachel struggled with infertility for years before finally giving birth to Joseph and later Benjamin. The messy family dynamics resulted in favoritism and strife between the sons of Leah and Rachel which had far-reaching consequences for the future nation of Israel.

Still, the Bible recognizes Leah’s longing for Jacob’s love. God saw her affliction and opened her womb, blessing her with six of the twelve patriarchs of Israel’s tribes. Though overshadowed by favored Rachel, Leah found purpose in motherhood and left a remarkable legacy.

Miriam and Hannah

Miriam and Hannah were both recognized for their leadership gifts despite living in male-dominated ancient Israeli culture. Miriam was a prophetess and musician who led the women in celebration after crossing the Red Sea.

Her courageous leadership alongside Moses and Aaron is unique among biblical women.

Hannah struggled with infertility for years but earnestly prayed and vowed to dedicate any son to Tabernacle service. After the birth of her son Samuel, Hannah kept her promise. Her tiny baby grew up to become the mighty prophet and Israel’s last judge.

Both Miriam’s bold leadership and Hannah’s dedicated motherhood advanced God’s work in their generation.

Despite vast differences in era and circumstance, these sisters share common threads of courage, leadership, longing, and motherhood changing history. Their stories continue inspiring women today!

New Testament Examples and Teachings on Sisters

Mary and Martha

One of the most well-known examples of sisters in the New Testament is Mary and Martha, friends of Jesus who lived in Bethany. When Jesus came to visit their home, Martha busied herself with preparations while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his teaching.

Martha complained to Jesus that Mary wasn’t helping, but Jesus gently rebuked her, saying “Mary has chosen what is better” (Luke 10:38-42). This shows that Jesus valued Mary’s desire to learn from him even above practical hospitality.

Instructions for Sisterly Conduct

The apostle Paul provided instructions for how sisters in Christ should treat one another. He exhorted them to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

To the church in Philippi, Paul pleaded with two women leaders, Euodia and Syntyche, to “agree with each other in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2). Harold Coffman notes that Paul calls these women his “fellow workers” – showing his esteem for their ministry roles in the early church.

Overall, the New Testament paints a picture of sisters who should love, serve, and learn from one another.

Sisters as Fellow Heirs of Grace

Peter emphasizes that sisters in Christ are “co-heirs of the gracious gift of life” (1 Peter 3:7). He calls on brothers and sisters alike to “live in harmony with one another” and practice hospitality ungrudgingly, stewarding God’s gifts for his glory (1 Peter 4:9-11).

The book of Acts records examples of women ministering together, like Priscilla and Aquila who together instructed Apollos more accurately about Jesus (Acts 18:26). And among Christ’s followers, “the number of men and women grew daily” (Acts 5:14) – showing how sisters and brothers alike received the gospel and contributed to the early church.

Biblical Imagery Using Sisterhood

The Bible contains rich imagery and symbolism related to sisterhood. Though literal sisters are mentioned, metaphors using sisters often represent nurturing relationships, unity, and spiritual bonds.

Sisters as Symbols of Nurturing Care

Biblically, sisters represented loving providers of nurture and care. For example, Moses’ sister Miriam watched over him as an infant when his mother set him afloat on the Nile (Exodus 2:4-8). Her protective care preserved Moses’ life.

Likewise, sisters Ruth and Orpah accompanied their widowed mother-in-law Naomi. Though Orpah eventually left, Ruth stuck by Naomi’s side, saying “Where you go I will go” (Ruth 1:16). Through Ruth’s steadfast nurturing care, she became an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

Sisters Representing Spiritual Unity

The Bible uses sisterhood as a metaphor for spiritual unity and connection. Believers in Christ are “brothers and sisters” united by faith (Matthew 12:50). The early church met in small groups at “brothers’ and sisters’ houses” (Acts 12:12).

Paul affectionately calls women disciples “sisters” (Romans 16:1, 1 Timothy 5:2). He urges brothers and sisters to live in harmony (1 Corinthians 7:15). Biblically, spiritual sisters and brothers share deep bonds.

Sisters Symbolizing Covenant Relationship

Covenants between God and His people are described in familial terms. God calls Israel his “wife” (Isaiah 54:5). Through their covenant, Gentiles are “grafted into” God’s household (Romans 11:11-24). The New Jerusalem is depicted as the “bride” of Christ (Revelation 21:2).

Collectively, believers are the Lord’s “brothers and sisters” (Matthew 25:40). This covenant affinity with God and each other is repeatedly emphasized through sibling language.

Whether referring to literal sisters, nurturing care, spiritual unity, or covenant ties, biblical sisterhood represents cherished relationship. Through poetic metaphors, the Word illustrates how sisters bless, provide for, accompany, comfort, support, and deeply bond with others.

The richness of these symbols emphasizes the great affection, value, and meaning of sisterly love.

Responsibilities Between Sisters

Support Each Other

Sisters share a unique bond that lasts a lifetime. As young girls, sisters often play together, share secrets, and get into mischief. As they grow older, sisters can become each other’s closest confidants and sources of emotional support.

Here are some ways sisters can support each other throughout life:

• Be there to listen. When one sister is going through a tough time, the other can provide a listening ear and shoulder to cry on. Simply being present and giving her full attention can be hugely comforting.
• Give advice when asked. Sisters often understand each other deeply. Offering guidance, perspective, and suggestions when requested can help a sister think through challenging situations.
• Keep confidences private. Sisters frequently share private thoughts and feelings. Respecting each other’s privacy deepens trust and intimacy.
• Validate each other’s feelings. Even when experiences differ, validating a sister’s emotions rather than judging or minimizing them shows care and understanding.
• Offer encouragement. Sisters can motivate each other through difficult times or ventures by offering reassurance, inspiration, and praise.
• Celebrate successes. Congratulating and taking joy in each other’s accomplishments, big and small, expands happiness.
• Provide practical help. Sisters can lend a hand with childcare, errands, household jobs, finances, schoolwork, career goals, and other tangible needs.

By making emotional and practical support a priority, sisters develop an unbreakable lifetime bond.

Honor Each Other

Another vital responsibility sisters have is to honor each other. Some ways sisters can honor one another include:

• Respect differences. Sisters may have contrasting opinions, beliefs, values, and priorities. Respecting those distinctions honors their individuality.
• Be loyal. Defend your sister against criticism from others. Having her back displays love and trust.
• Keep confidences. Refrain from revealing private details about each other’s lives. Discretion honors trusts.
• Give sincere compliments. Expressing genuine admiration for each other’s gifts, talents, and accomplishments uplifts.
• Acknowledge milestones. Celebrating major life events shows excitement for each other’s journeys.
• Defend against harm. Protecting each other from physical or emotional pain conveys devotion.
• Make time together. Valuing and investing in your relationship, despite busy schedules, shows its importance.

Making the choice to honor one another, even when difficult, can strengthen sisterly bonds immensely.

Love Each Other

Most importantly, sisters must make the active decision to love one another deeply. Some ways sisters can demonstrate love include:

• Show affection. Give regular hugs, say “I love you,” write loving notes, and find other ways to express warmth.
• Be patient and forgiving. Let go of petty disagreements, avoid keeping score, and offer grace freely.
• Support each other’s relationships. Embrace your sister’s significant other and friends rather than become jealous or judgmental.
• Share life’s joys. Include your sister in celebrations, milestones, holidays, vacations, and daily ups and downs.
• Pray together. Lifting each other up in prayer unites you spiritually.
• Provide care in times of sickness or grief. Check in on each other’s health often and provide comfort during loss.
• Give meaningful gifts. Surprise your sister with presents that show how well you know or care about her.

Making the choice to cherish your sister every day, even when difficult, builds an unbreakable bond that endures.

Conclusion

The Bible has much to say about the special relationship sisters share. As seen through various examples and teachings, Scripture celebrates sisterhood and instructs sisters to cherish one another through support, honor, and love.