Am I my Brother's Keeper? Genesis 4

Dear Family,

I sense most families, with siblings, have experienced the fighting of sisters and brothers. My brother used to entice me to do things that would hurt, and i just kept doing them. I think it is innate to pick on our siblings and make their lives difficult. But in the end, at least most of us, find ways to keep our family close, no matter what they do. This, for me, defines what a family truly is: someone who sticks with you no matter what the situation is.

But thats not what happened for Cain and Abel, is it? In what could have been the first Jerry Springer event in history turned violent. Cain's jealousy burned so hot, he lashed out and murdered his own brother. Family seemingly does the most damage to itself. Sure we can love like no other, but i sense we can also hurt each other to extents unimagined. Why is that? Why can we love our families without boundaries, but in the same breath, curse them, damn them, and destroy them, without batting an eye?

Perhaps even more revealing is Cain's response to God's question. "Am i my brother's keeper?" In essence, Cain suggests he doesnt have to look out for his brother, Abel is more than able to fend for himself, why do i need to worry about him? I find this to be the most disturbing reality of our lives today, because even when God makes it clear that we are to care for our sisters and brothers, often times, we answer, just like Cain, "Am i my brother or sister's keeper?"

The church, as far as i can tell, is responsible for those who are hurting. But more than that, we are to protect and shelter the vulnerable. We are to shield the forgotten. And yes, we are to be our sister and brother's keeper. This is a short blog, for good reason, i want to see how you respond to the text. It raises a lot of questions for me, with very little revelation. I hope you can help illumine what God gives you.

See you Sunday and may God's face shine upon you all...

amen.