Am I My Brother’s Keeper? Part 3

By Kelli B. Trujill (Edited)

There are many elements of Cain’s behaviour to examine and ponder over. Apart from the obvious jealousy and the crime of murder he committed, there is that element of arrogant self-justification as he tosses back to God the question: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9, NIV). It is an attitude that aims to justify a self-focused life.

And yet, though God doesn’t directly answer Cain’s question, God does provide you and me with an answer that resonates throughout the entire Bible: yes. From laws about caring for strangers and aliens in the Pentateuch (Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:34) to strident calls for justice for the vulnerable in the Prophets (Isaiah 58; Amos 5; Micah 6:8); to Jesus’ challenge to love our neighbors—even our enemies—as we love ourselves (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 10:25–37; to Paul’s teachings about hospitality (Romans 12:10–13); to John’s vision of the just, peaceful kingdom of God come to earth (Revelation 21), the answer is yes, yes, yes - I am called to be my brother’s . . . my neighbor’s . . . even my enemy’s keeper.

God invites us to love, stand up for, and kneel down in humility to serve others in our lives. And that call challenges us to step out of tight-knit circles of loved ones and out of our comfortable routines to see life through the lens of the kingdom.

Does this mean God wants us to serve in a homeless shelter or soup kitchen (as often comes to mind for me when I hear the word service)? Perhaps yes. But also the answer may be no or not now. God may have other avenues of service in mind: ways to love, sacrifice, extend compassion, and minister that are incorporated into our everyday lives. In other words, service may not be so much about clearing off a space on the calendar as it is clearing out an open, welcoming space in our hearts.

Who is your “brother”? Who is your “neighbor”? . . . Will you keep? Will you love? Will you serve?

Kelli B. Trujillo is editor of Today’s Christian Woman. Follow her on Twitter at @kbtrujillo or@TCWomancom.