By Taytum Marler

We all know the story of Cain and Abel. Cain becomes jealous and resentful over his brother and decides to murder him, it is the first murder in the world. When God asked Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” Cain responded with, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” It was essentially a mockery of God. Cain knew that God knew what he had done and chose to answer like a sarcastic punk answering a parent. In turn, God continued to answer Cains question throughout the Bible, because yes, we are our brother’s keepers.

Throughout the whole Bible, there are many instances where it is specifically said that we should be there for our brother, in both a familial and spiritual since. In the simplest terms, it becomes a basic theme, you must love God first but then loving your brother comes next.

What is a keeper except someone who looks after and loves another? This just means that you are there for your friends and family. You want to see them live their best life, while also protecting them from what is bad for them. The Old Testament makes this statement very clear.

“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.” Proverbs 24: 11

Protect those who may need it, reach out a hand to those in need, this is the calling of a keeper. You look out for those around you; friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers, so that they do not stumble to the slaughter. You are not supposed to direct another person’s life, or force them to act a certain way, but to encourage them to make the right decisions and to lend an ear when they need to vent.

The New Testament of the Bible speaks adamantly about being there for other believers, to be their keeper essentially. As Christians, we are called to share the word of God, as well as help hold other Christians accountable. Galatians 6:1-2 goes on to say, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” If someone comes to you in need, you should help them and lead them back to Christ. It is very important though that you protect your own heart so that you are not caught up in their problems. On another note, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 goes on to describe the importance of just being there for each other, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” We all are going to make mistakes, we are human, it happens. The important thing is being able to get up and live your life for Christ. A good way to keep this mentality is by having people you can rely on; someone you can talk to about your struggles. As Christians we are the body of Christ, and we are supposed to be the support system for each other.

Romans 14:13 says, “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother,” which is another example of just being there for each other and looking after them. It is always a good thing to check in on the people you care about, to make sure they are living their life for the Lord and are growing in their walk. 1 Corinthians 12:26 continues this thought of being a support system for each other, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” These are only a few instances where we as Christians are called to look out for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Back in Genesis, Cain asked God, “…am I my brother’s keeper?” That question was based solely in jealousy and anger, which was essentially answered throughout the Bible with another question, “Who are you but your brother’s keeper?”