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Inspiration

How to be a “brother’s keeper”

Written by Pastor Jon

The story of Cain murdering his own brother was one of the first results of the fall of mankind. And because there was no one to stand in behalf of poor Abel, God stood for him. Cain, the son of the wicked one, dismissed God’s inquiry by excusing himself of his role as a brother. Nevertheless, his statement did express the fact that he is supposed to be his brother’s keeper. 

The word keeper simply means a guardian, or one who watches over. The Bible explicitly teaches us that we responsible for taking care of one another in love. This principle is expressed in various commands: love one another; pray for one another; bear one’s another’s burden; comfort one another; be kind to one another; be devoted to one another; give preference to one another; encourage one another; build one another; and accept one another. And in doing so  we are fulfilling the law of Christ, which is love. Jesus said that when we love another, we showing the world that we are truly His disciples. 

Being a brother’s keeper can be practiced in different ways, depending on our brothers’ and sisters’ spiritual condition and situation. We may have to “babysit” the new believers. Those who that are older may need instructions, advice or guidance as they grow up in the faith. Even the mature ones are encouraged when they know we are looking after each other. 

For more ideas on being a brother’s keeper, consider the following suggestions: 

  • check on your brothers or sisters that you noticed were not present in the service; 
  • check on the brother or sister who submitted a prayer request, whether present or absent in the meeting; 
  • give general reminders for a specific event or situation; 
  • notify everyone about a certain danger that you heard in the news or learned about; 
  • visit the sick, or at least send them a message; 
  • address specific issues promptly; 

There are many ways to watch over your brothers and sisters. But remember to do these in love. We know that danger lurks in every corner of this age, and Christians are the enemy’s number target. He wants to destroy,  if not our lives, at least our testimony. Who else will take care of them except their own brothers and sisters? Best of all, when we truly care for one another, we are expressing the very love that God has for each of us.

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