Sibling rivalry exists in every sport. Perhaps the best-known in football was between Eli and Peyton Manning. Can you imagine the odds of raising two children who grow up to become number one NFL draft picks, as well as Super Bowl Champions and MVPs in back-to-back seasons? Competition must have been fierce growing up as brothers with a father who was a famous NFL quarterback. Despite all the media speculation during their careers, when asked about this sibling rivalry, Peyton said, “We don’t do that; that’s not what we do. Maybe you guys, your brothers, do that; that’s not what we do. I just get a chance to see Eli, and it’s great being with him and having a moment with him in the locker room.”

Genesis 20-21 – God Desires Harmony

Sibling rivalry has played a significant part in world history. It began with Cain and Abel and continued with Ishmael and Isaac. On the day Isaac was ceremoniously weaned in Genesis 21, Ishmael mocked him. He probably resented the unusual attention being showered on him, Isaac, which revealed his true nature. Sarah heard the taunts and insisted that Abraham get rid of Ishmael and Hagar. The two couldn’t coexist peacefully in one household.

God desires that siblings live in harmony and love each other (Psalm 133:1). Jesus taught we are to love God and to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). No one is closer in proximity than our brothers, sisters, and teammates.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete love their neighbors, teammates, and family. The team (or home) should be where teammates learn to love each other. “Love covers all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12), including sibling and team rivalry.

Bible Memory Verse – “After these things, the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great.'” Genesis 15:1 (LSB)