Cain is the first example in the Bible of a person who was carnal in nature.  He not only disobeyed God, but he was prideful, hateful, and ultimately a murderer.  When his offering was rejected by God, and his brother Abel’s offering was accepted, he resented Abel and murdered him.

Genesis 4:8 (ESV)
⁸  Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

This prompted the Lord to ask Cain the whereabouts of his brother, which in turn caused Cain to ask the question of our blog tonight.

Genesis 4:9 (ESV)
⁹  Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?”

Cain obviously thought the answer to his question was no; however, the correct answer is yes.  The answer is still yes today.  We are our brother’s keeper.  God directs us to allow brotherly love to continue (Hebrews 13:1), and love demands that we watch out for one another.  Paul tells us that we ought to have the same care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25).

How can we play the role of keeper for our brothers and sisters in Christ?  It can begin by simply being an encouragement to each other.  We are often exhorted to encourage or edify one another in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
¹¹  Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Paul urged these brethren to encourage and build up one another even though they were already doing so.  We should be prolific in the area of encouragement, constantly looking for opportunities to help brethren in this regard.  The word care found in 1 Corinthians 12:25 means, “to be anxious or to take thought” (Vine’s).  We give thought to brethren because we love them, and we recognize the need to encourage them.  We all need to be built up from time to time.

Another way we can act as our brother’s keeper is to help restore them when they fall into sin.

Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
¹  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.

There is no greater way that we can help a brother in Christ when they sin than to help them get back into a right relationship with God.  James tells us that when we bring back a sinner from his wandering, we save him from death (James 5:20).  What greater burden can we bear for a brother or sister in Christ than to help restore them to the faith?

Yes, we are our brother’s keeper.  There are more ways to do this than this short blog will allow us to discuss, but let’s be about the business of caring for each other.  Love demands it.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.