Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? The person who first asked this question was a man whose heart was, at the time, filled with evil passions, and his hands stained with a brother's blood. It was Cain. Yes, thou guilty Cain, thou art thy brother's keeper. He was given thee to love. He was given thee that thou mightest do him good. 1. "Am I my brother's keeper?" each one should say to himself. It is answered, "Yes, you are." But how? Take the following as some of the instances in which your brother has a claim upon your kindly offices. You are your brother's keeper, inasmuch as you are bound by ties, both of humanity and religion, to care for him, and to do him all the good you can. The humblest and the poorest can, in some way or other, help forward every agency for good, in the prosperity of which they take a hearty interest. Money may be given — if ever such a trifle, it betokens the mind of the giver. Trouble may be given — wherever pains are bestowed with a good intent, God will return some fruit. And the most destitute can always give prayer — when this comes from a fervent heart, it does great things. In your private sphere you can do much for your brother's good. You can show him little acts of kindness: you can relieve some of his smaller wants: you can help him in one or more of those numberless ways which readily suggest themselves to a benevolent disposition. You are your brother's keeper in the exercise of your influence. Every man has influence. The good man has influence, and the bad man has influence. The rich man has influence, and the poor man has influence. The aged person has influence, and the veriest child has influence. 2. But we will pass on to notice, secondly, the good results which may reasonably be expected to follow a more general and more conscientious observance of this Christian duty. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." A little moral, godly principle constantly manifested before the eyes of those with whom you mix, could not fail of diffusing itself, even though it should be your manner of life rather than your words that indicated your possession of it. Your brother would be made to feel that you are his keeper, although he might not openly acknowledge you to be so. You would be the best of preachers, the best of patriots, the best of philanthropists; and many whom your silent influence had won would be sure, at the judgment day, to rise up with you and confess their obligation. (F. W. Naylor, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? |
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