Did you know that the phrase, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” originated in the Bible and that it is one of the most famous phrases universally in the Bible? Genesis 4:1-9 is the story of the brothers, Cain and Abel. Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and when God asked Cain where was his brother, he replied, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” That was Cain’s way of evading the answer to God’s question. What he really wanted to say was, “Am I responsible for him?” Little did Cain know, God already knew what happened because He knows all things, past, present and future.
“Am I My Brother’s Keeper” began as a reference including only relatives and looking out for them. Over time, it evolved into caring, protecting and supporting others, whether its your friends, neighbors, community, co-workers, and sometimes even strangers. It means making sure they are safe from harm, mentally, emotionally spiritually and physically. It means stepping in to help them during difficult times, financially if you can or just lending an ear, being a sounding board for them when they need to talk and doing all of this with joy and love. Don’t act like it’s a burden because it shouldn’t be. It’s a part of the role of being a Christian.
Being your brother’s keeper is a calling. We are called to care for one another, pray for one another, sacrifice for one another. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Now, being Your brother’s keeper does not mean you are to go out and be physically violent or commit violence with the tongue. But you are supposed to show brotherly love towards our brothers and sisters in Christ with a tender heart and humble mind (1 Peter 3:8). Being “Your Brother’s Keeper” means you have a moral obligation to look out for, protect and care for others. It’s a responsibility we all share for the well-being of the people around us. Are you “Your Brother’s Keeper?”
With Agape Love,
Willie Mae