“Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Author: Apostle Emmanuel Mitchell

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, we are going to explore the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” This question was first asked by Cain in the book of Genesis, chapter 4, verse 9. Cain had just killed his brother Abel, and when God asked him where his brother was, Cain replied, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
This question is not just a matter of historical interest; it is a question that still resonates with us today. It speaks to our responsibilities towards one another as human beings, as brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us explore this question through the lens of Scripture and examples.
The first example we will look at is the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke chapter 10, verses 25-37. A man was beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Two religious leaders passed him by, but it was a Samaritan, someone who would have been despised by the Jewish people, who stopped to help him. The Samaritan did not ask himself, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” He simply saw someone in need and acted with compassion.
The second example we will look at is the teaching of Jesus in Matthew chapter 25, verses 31-46. Jesus tells us that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and those in prison, we are doing it to him. Jesus is reminding us that we are all connected, that we are all part of one human family. When we help those in need, we are helping Christ himself.
The third example we will look at is the early Christian community in the book of Acts. In Acts chapter 2, verses 44-45, we read, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” The early Christians did not ask themselves, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” They simply lived in community, sharing their resources and caring for one another.
So, what does this all mean for us today? It means that we cannot simply ignore the needs of those around us. We are called to act with compassion, to love our neighbors as ourselves. As Christians, we are called to care for the poor, the sick, the hungry, and the marginalized. We are called to be our brother’s keeper.
In conclusion, let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter 25, verse 40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” May we always be mindful of our responsibility to care for one another and to be our brother’s keeper. Amen.