The Antidote for Anxiety and Depression: Trust in Abba Father’s Care – Pt 66
Am I my Brother’s Keeper?
And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?
– Genesis 4:9
God created man as social beings, hence the reason for the establishment of institutions such as the family, church, school, et cetera. I believe that it is God’s intention that in communities humans take responsibility for one another. What does being responsible for one another looks like? It involves protecting or guarding or taking care of one another. However, man’s desire to win at all cost in the cruel competition of life encouraged in almost everything that mankind does has caused man to be callous.
I believe God’s question to Cain, “Where is…thy brother?” Is a question that we too must answer today. Beloved, where is thy brother? What have you done to your brother in your endeavours to be triumphant? Is your response to this question like Cain’s the cold-hearted question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Or can you sincerely say that you are indeed your brother’s protector, or guard or care-taker?
To be the victor having vanquished your fellow man at all cost in the cruel competition of life is to lack godly moral. Such victories may provide you with pleasures that only last but for a fleeting moment then fade away. Therefore, you are never satisfied nor at peace and your brother is ruined by your selfish actions. Such attitudes and behaviours often encourage anxiety and depression.
I have come to realize that sometimes you hurt one another unintentionally in your pursuit of conquests. Hence, it is necessary to examine yourselves from time to time and be honest with yourselves and others. Let your lives be characterized by godliness and contentment, which is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6) as you be your brother’s keeper.
God bless you!
MY PRAYER FOR TODAY
Abba, I worship and adore You. Thank You for placing me in a community with others. Please help me to understand and carry out my responsibility to the others as we take care of and protect one another. I declare that I will be sensitive to and considerate of the people with whom you allow in my life and not take them for granted nor seek to get ahead of them by destroying their lives. Therefore, my actions please the Lord. I pray this by faith in Jesus’ precious name with thanksgiving. Amen!
