Throughout the Bible, we read stories of sibling rivalry, sibling jealousy, and sibling strife. Cain killed Abel out of jealously that Abel’s offering to God was viewed more favorably. Esau was upset with Jacob for selling his birthright for a bowl of stew. Esau planned to kill Jacob after Jacob deceived his father Isaac into giving Jacob the family blessing. Martha rebuked Jesus for allowing Mary to listen to His teachings while Martha was left to do all of the preparations.
Sibling rivalries and jealousy can have profoundly negative effects on our families. In families affected by children with special needs, these rivalries and jealousies are even more apt to occur. In this study, we will take an in-depth look at stories of sibling rivalry and jealousy from the Bible in hopes of learning how to recognize, understand, and deal constructively with sibling rivalry and jealousy in families affected by children with special needs.