Scripture

Genesis 4:8-9 (NRSV)

Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?”

Consider

When God questions Cain about his actions, Cain gives a classic denial of accountability. The Message captures the sarcasm: “How should I know? Am I his babysitter?”

In his flippant response, Cain nevertheless raises a serious question for which we need an answer: How responsible am I for another person’s welfare? For what does God hold me personally accountable?

The Hebrew word for “keeper” in this verse is the same used to describe God in Psalm 121. The song names God as the divine One who keeps Israel, who guards and protects the body, mind, heart, and daily life of his people. As God’s ambassadors for his kingdom on earth, we too have responsibilities in guarding and protecting the welfare of others.

According to Scripture, we are accountable for “keeping” one another in several ways:

• We forgive and love our offenders, thus relieving them of a burden that could crush their spirit (2 Corinthians 2:5-8).
• We help and encourage one another (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Romans 15:1-2).
• We show mercy and compassion to those in distress (Luke 10:25-37).
• We pray for each other (Matthew 5:44; James 5:16).
• We go and reconcile with those who have something against us (Matthew 5:24).
• We take care not to be a stumbling block to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:9).
• We rebuke sin that is harming another’s spiritual walk (Proverbs 27:5-6).
• We denounce false teachings that hurt and cause division among God’s people (1 Timothy 4:6-7; Jude 17-23).

To summarize, we are to watch over one another and be a resource of love, help, protection, and encouragement, not only to our friends and fellow believers but to our enemies as well.

Noticeably absent from our list of accountabilities is the other person’s response. In reality, when we offer forgiveness, our offender may still refuse to reconcile. Even though we expose sin and false teaching, our loved one may continue down a dark path. We may share our testimony of faith only to be ignored or ridiculed.

God never holds us accountable for another person’s decisions. Saving souls and changing lives is the work of the Spirit, well beyond our human capabilities. Although we partner with God in living out the kingdom in our relationships, we are but workers in his field. We do our best to sow good seed and tend to each other’s needs, but the harvest belongs to God.

Pray

FATHER, I confess I often shirk my responsibilities to be your instrument of love and help in the world around me. Like Cain, I deny my responsibility so later I can escape guilt over a bad outcome. Teach me how to sow good seed in every circumstance and to recognize the holy work you have for me in every relationship. Help me to establish healthy boundaries so that I can be of use to You without taking your place as Lord of the Harvest.

Reflect

Psalm 121;  1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Ponder

In which areas of your life do you take on too much “keeper” responsibility? Where do you take on too little?

Dear Readers: This will be my last post for a while as my website is being updated. Thank you for your faithful following. See you in a few weeks! ~Blessings, Judith