Am I My Brother’s Keeper

“Judge not, that ye be not judged…”- Matt 7:1

Amazing, isn’t it? As soon as you point out (even to a friend) an error in their conduct, this verse is thrown right back at you. Even those who are anything but followers of Christ seem to know this verse well. It is their primary defense when they feel threatened by moral discernment.

However, Jesus did say it, didn’t He? What did He mean? Did he mean for His followers to never reveal the Truth, but to take on an “each to his own” mentality? Are we to sit idly by knowing that a brother or sister in Christ is making mistakes (and even sinning) and not say a word? Really?

Let me illustrate. Two friends were traveling together and came upon a herd of cattle in the road. They successfully made it past them and rounded a sharp curve in the road. They noticed a car coming in the distance. One friend said to the other, “What do you think would be the Christian thing to do?” The friend replied, “Build a hospital.” You see, we see the wreck coming in people’s lives, but instead of warning them before the wreck, we are willing to take our chances and just try to repair it later. In doing so, sometimes the damage is done and seemingly beyond repair all because we were afraid we would be accused of “judging.” This is simply a distortion of the Word of God. You are your Brother’s keeper.

Within the church, accountability to others actually encourages us to be concerned about one another. Paul said in Php 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” You see, our concern for others is based on their well being. We should be catering to each other; and that means… we are willing to encourage, be honest, and even gently correct them, if necessary. Gal 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” We are not called to correct in pridefullness, but in humility; because we really do care for them. Deep down inside, you know you are also a sinner, and are subject to failing in your walk, as well.

Unless we are in the frame of mind to want correction, we will never allow someone else to correct us. Therefore, I ask, are you genuinely concerned about doing the right thing (in the eyes of God)? Are you concerned enough that you will hear the Word of God no matter who God sends to tell you? Let me encourage you, if you are approached, don’t immediately assume they are condemning you; assume they are trying to help you and would want the same in return. Agree or disagree, be graceful and appreciate their concern for your well-being.

If you see an error in a brother’s or sister’s life, how do you approach them? Do you go to them with appropriate humility, or do you find some warped sense of satisfaction in the fact that “you” were the one who was able to tell them of their problem. Perhaps it makes you feel better about yourself? If you go to a brother with an issue, take a deep look inside your own life before doing so; pray about it, and then do so with an extreme amount of mercy and grace. After all, that’s what Christ did for us, did He not?