Living Translation of 1 John 4:20
"If someone claims to love God but hates their sibling, that person is a liar. For if we don’t love the people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?"
Fictional Narrative Writing Prompt:
Title: "Reflections of Brotherhood"
Characters:
- Jasmine: A compassionate and introspective sibling, often seen as the peacemaker.
- Lisa: The rebellious sister, struggling with her feelings of resentment and jealousy towards her siblings.
- Bruce: The older brother, protective yet often caught between his siblings’ conflicts.
- Charlie: The younger brother, innocent and oblivious but deeply affected by the discord.
- Shawn: A wise family friend who serves as a mentor to the siblings, encouraging them to confront their feelings.
Setting: A small, close-knit town where the siblings grew up, surrounded by memories that both bind and divide them.
Prompt:
Write a narrative that explores the complex relationships between the siblings, Jasmine, Lisa, Bruce, Charlie, and their family friend Shawn. Set the scene during a family gathering prompted by a significant event (e.g., a holiday celebration, a family crisis, or a reunion). Use this occasion to show the tension between Lisa’s resentment and Jasmine’s compassion.
As the gathering unfolds, have the siblings confront their feelings about each other and the bonds that should unite them. Integrate the essence of 1 John 4:20 into their interactions – exploring themes of love, hatred, and the challenge of seeing one another’s flaws while still striving for connection. What past grievances surface? How do they grapple with their feelings? Allow for a climax of confrontation or revelation where they either reach an understanding or allow the rift to deepen.
Consider including moments of introspection, dialogue that reveals their inner struggles, and the impact of Shawn’s guidance. The narrative should ultimately question what it means to truly love one another despite flaws and disagreements, reflecting on the importance of being true to both oneself and one’s family.
