Genesis 4:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.
Are we our Brother’s and Sister’s keeper? Are we responsible for their welfare? When God asked Cain where Abel was, do you think He didn’t already know? Why do you think Cain kill Abel? It was because of jealousy. If we are jealous, we will not seek to help. If our goal is to help and care for others, we will be happy when they succeed and not be jealous. James 1:27 (NIV) says “27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” So it is our responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters.
As we live in this world, we are called to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. That means many different things. If someone is in crisis, we can use our resources to “stop the bleeding”. If they are in a generally bad situation, we can help them gain knowledge that will improve their situation. If they need a friend, we can just listen. Either way, whatever the challenge, it is always better when we work together to solve that challenge. What if we are the ones facing the challenge? Do we want others to come to our aid? What if that challenge is depression? Would it be good if someone who understood depression would come and stand by your side and walk with you to get you through the valley? What about when you have a joy in your life? Do you want others to celebrate with you? So we are our brother’s keeper in the good times and the bad! Who is your brother or sister? What about your waiter or waitress? Ask their names. How are they doing? Have you checked with them lately? When you speak with people, really listen so you can know how they are doing. We were created to live in community. Taking care of each other is part of that community. God has blessed you with love for others and skills to care for them. Will you use them in your next encounter?
Lord, you said it was not good for us to be alone. We know You are always with us but You designed us to relate to others as well. Help us live in community and love each other as You have loved us. Bring us to people we can help and people who can help us. Let us put down the electronics and talk to others. Give us the ability to really listen and get to know others. Teach us to share our joy and sorrow the way you designed us to live. In Your name we pray!