My husband and a few of his friends often don a shirt with pride. On it is written “I am my brother’s keeper”. The idea behind “my brother’s keeper” is found in the book of Genesis, chapter four.
However, for today’s food for thought, I’d like you to think about Galatians chapter six verse two.
I’m going to let that sit with you for a while.
It doesn’t get clearer than that. But should you still find it puzzling, give ear to the Message Bible’s version-
"Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived."
Yep, it needs no further clarity.
I hope, like me, you’re in a state of self evaluation.
The truth is, we don’t always look out for one another, do we? We are way too selfish, and competitive to carry someone else’s burden. It takes supernatural power and Christlikeness to make us true keepers of each other.
Did you notice that the Message Bible’s version says, “stoop DOWN and reach out”? Often time we look down on people. But here, we’re being told to go DOWN to their level, down to their situation, their crisis, their pain, and reach OUT. Guys, that’s powerful!
Last week as I ponder over these verses, a colleague of mine sent me a story that drove “my brother’s keeper” home.
The story goes like this…
“This boy was carrying his dead brother on his back to bury him in Japan, during the war. A soldier noticed him and asked him to throw this dead child so that he would not get tired. The boy replied: He’s not heavy, that’s my brother!” The soldier understood and broke down in tears.
‘He’s not heavy. He’s my brother… She’s my sister!’
If he falls, raise him up. If he backslides, restore him, If he gets tired, help him. If he needs support, stand with him, If he makes a mistake, correct him! And if the world abandons him, then carry him, like God has been carrying you; he surely is not heavy…. Because he is [your] brother, she is [your] sister!”
By our actions alone, we, like Cain have shouted and asked with scorn, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)
“Yea, thou art thy brother’s keeper…be interested for his welfare, and cherish a kind, loving spirit toward him. Press together, press together.”
“Am I my brother’s keeper?”
“Thou art thy brother’s keeper. Thy profession, thy faith, requires thee to deny thyself and sacrifice to God, or thou wilt be unworthy of eternal life; for it was purchased for thee dearly, even by the agony, the sufferings, and blood of the beloved Son of God.”
Ellen G. White- Testimonies for the Church vol.1
So friends, the next time you turn a blind eye to his situation, or become deaf to his plea, or look down, remember with all certainty that you are his keeper, go down and reach out to your brother and your sister.
Merry Melodious Melody
This has me teary eyed, I’ve been struggling this morning with Matthew 28 and asking God what he’s saying to me in the scripture. His response was like marry when you meet me go and tell others. I broke down in tears , for he also told me to Stand still and see his salvation. Thank you Mel for this confirmation, be blessed.
Now you have me jumping for joy. I am amazed at how God works. He is truly an on time, mysterious God. I am praising Him for His answers tomy prayer through your comment. Only to understand that the nugget was an answer to your prayer.
So true. But only in some instances do some of us act. When we look down on others and do not know who they really are, we draw conclusions about them and feel justified to endeavour in their own way believing they can destroy them. But as Joseph said to his brothers you meant it for evil but God meant it for GOOD.
2 Peter says.To Godliness Brotherly kindness,and to Brotherly kindness Love.
I go right along with John when he says, if you love God you must love your Bother/Sister.
Hi Sis Young. Thank you so much for your feedback. I agree with you. The fruits we bear as Christians often cause people to judge or misjudge us, and so they become our keeper based on what they see. But that shouldn’t be the case. We have to start looking with hearts and mind of Christ, otherwise our keeping will not be effective.
2 Peter says…To Godliness Brotherly kindness, and to Brotherly kindness Love.
I go right along with John when he says, if you love God you must love your Bother/Sister.
Mercy! This goes to show that both goes hand in hand. If you love Christ, then you are only operating as his vehicle; to serve others and be their keeper. We’ve failed at this so miserably. I am learning to love Christ deeper and better so I can serve, or serve and keep so I can show Christ’s love.
The question is asked
Am I my brothers keeper ?
Very serious question we as human beings have failed so many times and sometimes think it is not our business but on a serious note it is . We our brothers keeper .
LIFE is good when we are happy
But life is better when someone is happy because of you
May God help us all to be our Brothers keeper 🙏🙏🙏❤️
What a beautiful place this world would be if we really and truly would accept each other as brothers and sisters.Then, of course! we all would be looking out for one another.Lord help us to know that we are under one Umbrella in the company ofJesus Christ.Give us that Agape love Lord.
Hi Sis Emile. Thanks for your comment. Truly would be a better place. Better can come, it only starts with me….