Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9 (NKJV)

This verse is part of the Biblical account of Cain and Abel. Most people know it, but just in case, I will summarize it. Cain and Abel were sons of Adam and Eve. Abel was a herdman, or a keeper of sheep. Cain was a farmer who raised crops. Abel brought his offering to God in accordance with the example God set: to bring an animal as a blood offering. Cain did not. Instead, he brought crops from his fields, and according to some theologians, he brought the last of the crop- the leftovers that were of inferior quality. God accepted Abels’ sacrifice, but rejected Cain’s. Cain then murdered Abel out of jealousy, and God inquired of him about Abel. In reply, Cain famously said, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Some versions or translations of this verse use the word guardian instead of keeper. The New Century Version phrases his response as, “Is it my job to take care of my brother?” This helps us to see what Cain was really saying. He was telling the Lord that he really did not believe it was his responsibility to watch out for or take care of his brother. He believed it should be every man for himself.

Many people have used the same phrase, or one like it. Many people believe it is not their job to watch over other people. However, the Bible clearly tells us that we are to watch over one another. For example, the members of the church are to watch over each other to keep each other from sin, and to address it when a brother or sister is involved in sin.

If anyone observes a fellow believer habitually sinning in a way that doesn’t lead to death, you should keep interceding in prayer that God will give that person life. I John 5:16 (The Passion Translation, TPT)

Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer! James 5:16 (TPT)

Finally, as members of God’s beloved family, we must go after the one who wanders from the truth and bring him back.  For the one who restores the sinning believer back to God from the error of his way, gives back to his soul life from the dead, and covers over countless sins by their demonstration of love! James 5:19-20 (TPT)

This shows that we are indeed our brother’s (and sister’s) keeper or guardian. We are to watch out for one another and intercede for each other. And we are also to guard over and intercede for those who are not believers. Of course, each person has their own choices to make and we cannot force people to receive Christ or to live a godly life. But, we are to do our best to cover them in prayer and reach out to them in love. It is up to us to reach out to them and find ways to meet their needs. Reaching out to the hungry, the homeless, and the poor, is one way to be our brother’s keeper.

Then the King will turn to those on his right and say, ‘You have a special place in my Father’s heart. Come and experience the full inheritance of the kingdom realm that has been destined for you from before the foundation of the world!  For when you saw me hungry, you fed me. When you found me thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you invited me in,  and when I was poorly clothed, you covered me. When I was sick, you tenderly cared for me, and when I was in prison you visited me.’ “Then the godly will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty and give you food and something to drink?  When did we see you with no place to stay and invite you in? When did we see you poorly clothed and cover you?  When did we see you sick and tenderly care for you, or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least important of these my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.’ Matthew 25:34-40 (TPT)

Let’s be sure not to adopt Cain’s attitude as a cop-out for not watching out for and helping other people. We are definitely our brother’s keeper- and very much so.