The stereotypical modern American model of siblings in a family is of quarreling, staying aloof from one another, and finding their friendships outside of the home. This is not only not “normal” in the biblical sense, but it is destructive and at odds with the beautiful picture of brotherly unity communicated in the scriptures. Psalm 133 states, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” One of my consuming missions and desires as a father to eight children is to see them become best friends. It is very hard work for any parent because it requires constant vigilience, wisdom, charity, and vision—all blessed by the grace of God. As a father who often falls short in the execution of this vision, I thank God for the encouraging testimonies of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters who have persevered and won the prize of a faithful example. One of these examples was found in the lives of Michael Billings and his sister Jamie.

The Botkin sisters have posted a tremendous article that was written for their website by Jamie a year ago extolling the work the Lord had done in her life with regard to her relationship with her younger brother—Michael—our fallen comrade. In this insightful and articulate article Jamie explains why she wanted to become her brother’s best friend. I was so encouraged by her insights and the obvious testimony of her love for her brother that I wanted to share it with you all.

My brother and I are now the best of friends and each the other’s most trusted confidant. As I have watched my brother grow into such a strong and godly young man, and as God has blessed him with wisdom that surpasses his age, it is hard to even think of him as being younger. He has become to me the best of counselors and truest of friends....But this, ladies, is not the only glorious blessing that is to be gained! We as sisters can return this favor to our brothers by helping to affirm and prepare them for their future roles as leaders, and heads of their own households. When we treat our brothers like men, it can only encourage them to maturity in Christ. And you, my reader, may well be the tool that God has ordained to inspire your brother to become the man that God has created and called him to be. We need to always remember that “all things work together for good, to them who love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

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