Day 27 — Be a Big Sister

“Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (BSB)

The last two days, we talked about learning from older women. Today, let’s flip it around: you can be a mentor too!

Maybe you don’t feel old enough to help anyone. But think about it: there are girls younger than you who look up to you. Little sisters, cousins, girls at church, neighbors, girls in younger grades at school. To a six-year-old, a ten-year-old seems really grown up!

Paul says, “Encourage and build one another up.” That’s something you can do right now, for the younger girls around you.

What does it look like to be a “big sister” to younger girls?

• Be kind to them. Don’t brush them off or think they’re annoying.
• Play with them, even if their games seem a little babyish.
• Encourage them. Tell them what they’re good at. Cheer them on.
• Be a good example. They’re watching how you act, talk and treat people.
• Help them. Help with homework, show them how to do something or answer their questions.
• Point them to Jesus. Read them Bible stories, pray with them or tell them what God has done for you.

Remember all the things you’ve learned in these books? You could share them! When a younger girl feels ugly, you can tell her she’s fearfully and wonderfully made. When she’s being left out, you can include her. When she’s scared, you can remind her that God is with her.

Being a big sister isn’t only for girls with actual little sisters. Every girl can be one.

And here’s a secret: when you help someone younger, you grow too. Teaching others helps you remember what you’ve learned. Encouraging others makes you more encouraging. And being a good example makes you want to live well.

Paul adds, “just as you are already doing.” Maybe you’re already a good big sister to someone! Keep it up.

Think about it: Who is a younger girl who looks up to you? How could you encourage her?

Try this: Do something special for a younger girl this week. Play with her, encourage her or tell her about something you learned about God.

Dear God, help me be a good big sister to the younger girls around me. Help me encourage them, build them up, set a good example and point them to You. Thank You for the chance to help someone else grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.