Our Brother's Keeper

"Oh that you were like a brother to me..." (Song of Solomon 8:1, ESV).

Cain denied being his "brother's keeper," but he should have observed the law of love and not to be envious or have the evil or jaundiced eye.  Brothers are "born for adversity" according to Prov. 17:17 and we are blessed to know brotherly love as an affectionate and loyal one. There is a kind of love that is natural just because of being related, but brotherly love is seen as a model of the kind we should have for our Christian brothers (not called that for no reason).  "Let brotherly love continue" (cf. Heb. 13:1).  Note that friends can be more intimate than brothers:  "... [B]ut there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24, ESV).

Deut. 23:7 says not to "abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother"--this means we should never despise, look down, or resent our brother, who is own flesh and blood.  Brothers can disagree but they should find areas of commonality--they can agree to disagree and disagree without being disagreeable.  Proverbs 6 lists sowing discord among brothers as one of the things that are an abomination to God.

Most arguments aren't worth the adrenaline and they generate more heat than light!  According to Patton's Principles: A Guidebook for Managers Who Mean It, we should never engage in an argument we have nothing to gain from--some are just trivial; on the other hand, there are godly controversies and we are called to engage in them (but don't split hairs!).   Abraham didn't want any discord with his brethren and in Gen. 13:8 (ESV) he says, "Let there be no strife between you and me ... for we are kinsmen."  But there is always a challenge from an equal and "iron sharpens iron" as Proverbs 27:17 declares.  Caveat:  "A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city..." (Prov. 18:19, ESV).

We are to see our brother in need and to volunteer our time, resources, talents, and finances:  "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?   (1 John 2:17, ESV).  Paul says in (1 Tim. 5:8, ESV):  "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."   Soli Deo Gloria!

Helping A Brother In Need

It is quite admirable to be able to notice a brother in need and be in the position to help out.  When you've done it to the least of Christ's brethren, you've done it unto Him (cf. Matt. 25:40).  The question Christ will ask at judgment is when you saw the naked did you clothe them, or the hungry did you feed them, etc. Paul said that "My God shall supply all your need..." (Philippians 4:19).  God doesn't promise to provide our felt needs or wants, just our needs.  Some need more than others, but the purpose is to do the will of God, not our will.  If you need it to do God's will, He will supply.

"Saint Theresa was going to build a convent with a sum the equivalent of twelve pence as her complete resources.  Someone said to her, 'Not even Saint Theresa can accomplish much with twelve pence.'  'True, she answered, 'but Saint Theresa and twelve pence and God can do anything.'" (anecdote quoted from William Barclay's The Letter to the Romans.)  The fact is that God has unlimited resources and we don't work for Buddha:  God has nothing against rich people or riches per se.  But when we are not rich toward God (see Luke 12:21 and the parable of the foolish tenant) it is foolish to put our trust in riches.  Our life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions, and we are to be content with what we have, and not be envious of what others have.

Greed is the driving force in modern society as a rule in a materialistic age, and some people who love money never seem to have enough and aren't satisfied no matter what.  They ask a millionaire how much would make him happy:  Just a little more!  They always want a more than they have, no matter how much they have.  We are all stewards of what God has assigned us and have different degrees of responsibility and are all accountable both in this life and at Judgment Day.  We also reap what we sow and it seems like the evil get rich and prosper, but the Bible says in Psalm 17:14 that it is because their reward or portion is in this life.  I would rather go to my reward when I pass on than leave my riches behind.

Although it is true that it does no good to help some people because they are irresponsible and will spend it unwisely if you give a beggar on skid row a dollar, he will buy a bottle of wine and if you offer to take him to a restaurant to get fed, he will decline.  Helping someone in need isn't just financial, it may be of your time because everyone knows the cliche that love is spelled T-I-M-E. When absentee fathers don't spend any time with their children no wonder they grow into delinquents and live maladjusted lives searching for an identity.

Each person should decide in his own heart how much he is to give and be faithful to that, and not feel that he must give of his money--it is completely voluntary for the Christian and not to be "under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7).  The church's responsibility is to use some of the money to give to those in need, to help the poor, and make good use of their resources. "The point is this:  whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly..." (2 Cor. 9:6, ESV).  Tithing can be seen as a test of generosity, a principle of stewardship, and a sign of faith giving back to God some of His blessings to us-- but it is not a mandate for Christians--not mentioned in any epistle as imperative.          Soli Deo Gloria! 

So You Love Jesus!

Do you love the right Jesus or a "different Jesus?"

"We love Him because He first loved us"  (1 John 4:19).
"A curse on anyone who doesn't love the Lord..." (1 Cor. 16:22).
"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him"  (1 Peter 1:8).
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren"  (1 John 3:14).
"You that love the LORD, hate evil"  (Psalm 97:10).
 Jesus said, "The greatest commandment is to love the Lord, thy God!"  Let's explore this:


Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments [obey Me]." (Cf. John 14:21)  What was he commanded them to do, but to love one another as He loved them?  The purpose Christ left us behind is to fulfill the Great Commission as given in Matt. 28:19-29. That is the sole, and I mean the sole, purpose of the church; this command is not meant for us to do it all on our own, but in conjunction, cooperation, and fellowship with the church as we function in the body as we are gifted.  We are all witnesses and have a testimony to the world at large, but are responsible for our own little world, circle of friends, family, or sphere of influence.  We can financially support people in the third world if we desire. Remember: He that loves not, knows Him not, for God is love (cf. 1 John 4:8).

We can't just say we love the Lord, we must demonstrate it.   If you love the world-system, the love of the Father is not in you, according to 1 John 2:15.   This is the litmus test!  "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, that you love one another" [not any other sign or signal such as success or prosperity] (John 13:35).  Love is not just the absence of evil, but doing good ("Cease from evil, do good." --Isaiah 1:16-17):  we shouldn't be asking who our neighbor is, but "Who can I be a neighbor to?"  Note that Jesus raised the bar!  We are also to love our enemies, which was unheard of!   "...God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit"  (Rom. 5:5)  It is the love of Christ that constrains us and gives us this love (cf. 2 Cor. 5:14).

Many believe that because they love the Lord that it is all right between them and God.  They may be sentimental, maudlin, or converted to the program and mistakenly think they have their heart in the right place.  We are not saved by loving the Lord; we are saved by (believing on Him) submitting to His lordship and trusting in His person and finished work on the cross ("tetelestai" or "it is finished").  It is a done deal or in Latin, fait accompli.  We must all examine our heart to see if Jesus lives in us according to 2 Cor. 13:5, which says precisely that:  "Examine yourselves...Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is within you, unless you fail the test?" [Don't oversimplify the faith by believing all there is to it is loving Jesus; however, we eventually fall in love with Jesus as we mature in the faith--some have even left their first love!--he who is forgiven much, loves much, according to Jesus.]

The real question is whether we love Him but this must be demonstrated, manifested,  and proved by our deeds, not just our talk: show me the fruit!  All Christians love the Lord, but some are demonstrative and some are stoic (no showing their feelings), but all will have a feeling!  Our whole soul is involved in conversion:  heart, mind, and will.   Remember what Jesus asked Peter to reinstate him:  "Do you love me? [If you do, feed My sheep.]"  You must love the Lord, but don't be deceived by mere feelings.  Don't merely go by feeling or sentiment!   Any so-called believer or nominal Christian is anathema Maranatha  [curses until Christ comes] if he doesn't love the Lord, according to Paul in 1 Cor. 16:22.

Don't take it for granted that you love him; ask questions like:  Do you love the Word?  Do you love your brother?  Do you love your enemy?  Do you attend church regularly?  The three biggest struggles, obstacles, or problem areas for the believer to develop a love for the Lord are in his relationship to these books:  the pocketbook, the hymn book, and the Good Book.  To keep things in perspective:  It is not that we loved Him, but that He loved us!  "Herein in love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins"  (1 John 4:10).  Soli Deo Gloria! [To God alone be the glory!] 

CAVEAT:  SOME WHO PROFESS CHRIST LOVE OUT OF SENTIMENTALITY OR MAUDLIN INCLINATION--AUTHENTIC LOVE ENTAILS OBEDIENCE.   Soli Deo Gloria!

Respecting Your Bro

Yes, "bro" is in the dictionary and it means soul brother and is a term of endearment.  But I am referring especially to our brothers in the Lord, though there are applications to our fellow man and siblings.  There is a command to love the brethren, of course, but this entails respect, which goes hand in hand.  All our brothers deserve respect because they are in Christ.  The Scriptures tell us to give respect to whom respect is due.  All human beings have dignity as being in the image of God, though it is tarnished by the fall. We should love our blood brothers naturally and shouldn't have to be commanded to do that.

 All Christians should submit to one another in the name of Christ and not lord it over the others or play God.  There are those believers who are godly and trust in the Lord and then there are those who try to be God and are domineering.  Some people just like to be the boss and work for themselves (they don't like to take orders, but give them!), spiritually speaking.  Like being a one-man band in the church or what is a so-called "pastor-driven" church. It should be ruled by elders.   There really is no such biblical basis for that kind of church government.  Though the husband is the head of the wife, he is not the boss and should also submit to her in the Lord.

So, to get closer to home:  The Bible says in Deut. 23:7:  "Don't abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother...."  Obadiah says:  "Do not gloat over your brother in the day of his adversity."    We should never be ashamed of our brother, sister, or kinfolk, or refuse to acknowledge them.  For it goes in an analogy that he who is ashamed of Christ in them will also be shamed by Christ.   For example,  if your brother (I don't necessarily mean Christian) is an alcoholic, autistic, mentally ill, disabled, or even gay (now a Christian cannot be gay), don't reject him because of that.  Having unjust opinions of someone because they are "different" is mere prejudice.  God may be giving you that kind of ministry or trying to teach you  (both the person that is different and his or her themselves)  something.

Now, it is said, that an Englishman is a "self-made man who worships his creator."  There is no such creature as a self-made man!   The Bible says in Isa. 51:1 to "look to the rock from which you were hewn and the stone from which you were cut."  In other words, don't forget where you came from and what your roots are, and become cocky or prideful in your success--for it is the Lord who gives you the power to make wealth (Deut. 8:18).  Isa. 48:17 says, "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way that you should go."  

We are not self-made men, but a product of those we have been around during our journey through life.  I am a part of you, and you are a part of me (that is if we know each other).  "He who mocks the poor insults his creator."  "The rich and the poor have this in common:  the Lord is the maker of them all."   James says that if we are poor we should be thankful because God has made us rich in faith.  If you saw the movie "It's A Wonderful Life," you probably realize the impact that one life can have and what it would have been like hadn't you ever been born.

Real success is finding your spiritual niche (you must fine your charisma or gift first) and calling in Christ, not achieving the so-called American dream.  The safest place to be is in the will of God and there is a hedge of protection around us.  We should not look down on others who have not attained the level of success we have or compare ourselves with others because we are all unique creations of God, our maker, and potter. We are simply vessels of honor for His glory.  Soli Deo Gloria!

Friends Closer Than Brothers?

The Bible assures us there is a friend closer than a brother and that is the biblical standard of affection and we call it brotherly affection or philia in Greek. Christians are capable of agape love for each other and for God and this is shed abroad in our hearts per Rom. 5: 5. Jesus is the closest possible friend we can have and is the ideal friend. But look at David and Jonathan whose souls were knit together and the tie surpassed that of women. They were called "bosom friends." Sometimes our brother is called to admonish us gently and to remind us that we are still human and do err! The Holy Writ also tells us that the wounds of a friend are better ("faithful") than the kisses (flattery) of an enemy.

Brothers must learn that they are brothers first and buddies second or they will lose their credibility. It is fine to be best buds or pals and hang out together but a big brother has responsibilities and after they are grown the roles don't always stay the same--sometimes a younger sibling assumes the role of big bro. Nowadays "big bro" is derogatory and people call the government by that name, but some of us were glad to have a big bro growing up whether we want to admit it or not now. 

There is a responsibility, to be honest first and to speak the truth in love, as Paul says. Jesus said in Matt. 5:22 that one who is angry at his brother or insults him "(the psalmist says that "the insults of those who insult [God] have fallen on [him])"  is in danger of judgment! You don't say, "You are arrogant" (that is judging). You say, "That seemed an arrogant thing to say, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt anyway." I am very sensitive about being labeled "crazy," "unbalanced," "off my rocker," "gone off the deep end," "gotten carried away," "taken leave of my senses," "beside myself," etc. and any connotation thereof gets my goat. I overreact and go on the defensive and am oversensitive because of my personal background, but it takes a brave friend to point out the error of one's way. Sometimes our best friends are blind to our faults and perhaps that is why they are so close to us; our brothers really know the true self we portray and we can't fool them because they really know us and also when we need intervention or help or counsel.

"He who does not love his brother abides in death," according to John. This caveat to heed from John: If we don't love our brother whom we have seen how can we love Christ who we haven't seen; these are sobering thoughts.    Soli Deo Gloria!

Example Of Two Brothers In Action

The Two Brothers, trans. by Karl W Broberg from Hermann Hesse

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"  (1 John 3:17).

"If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever"  (1 Tim. 5:8).


Once upon a time, there was a father, who had two sons. The one was beautiful and strong, the other was small and crippled, for that reason the big one despised the small one. This didn't please the younger one at all, and he decided to wander into the wide, wide world. After some time had passed, he met a carrier [Wagoner], and as he asked him where he was going, the carrier said, he must lead his treasures to the dwarfs in a glass mountain. The small brother asked him, what the reward was. He got the answer that the reward would be diamonds. Then the small one wanted all the more to go to the dwarfs. Then he asked the carrier if he believed that the dwarfs would accept him. The carrier said that he didn't know, but he took him with. Finally, they got to the glass mountain, and the overseer of the dwarfs rewarded the carrier richly for his efforts and released him. Then he noticed the small brother and asked him what he wanted. He told him everything. The dwarf said he should only follow him. The dwarf accepted him gladly and lead him to a grand life.

Now we will see about the other brother. It went good at home for him for a long time. But as he became older, he came to the military and had to go to war. He got wounded in his right arm and had to beg. Then the poor guy happened upon the glass mountain and saw a cripple standing there, he didn't suspect that it was his brother. The small bro recognized him at once and asked him what he wished. "O, sir, I am eager and glad for any crumb of bread, I am so hungry!" "Come with me," the small one said, and went into the cave, whose walls were glistening from diamonds. "You can take a handful for yourself if you can bring down the stone without any help," said the cripple. The beggar tried to do it with his one healthy arm, but naturally, he couldn't. Then said the small brother, "Maybe you have a brother, that I would allow to help you." Then the beggar began to cry and said, "Once I had a brother, small and misshapen, like you, but so good-natured and friendly, and I haven't known of him for a long time." Then said the small brother: "I am your brother, you shall suffer no want, remain with me."