Brother's Keeper

Last night, my family and I watched Jurassic World. It was very reminiscent of the Jurassic Park movies of the 90's, and, to be honest, my boys were a little freaked out. However, in the film, there are 2 brothers. As both of their lives are in danger, the two of them work together, depend on one another, and develop a new respect for each other. And of course, they grow closer. It made me think about brotherly love and how important it is.  

For example, I have a set of twin students. They started off a bit unfocused and disorganized, so they had a hard time adjusting to my work load. Then one day, their older brother came up and spent the entire day with them, going from class to class, whispering to them, and walking them through assignments. They got back on track pretty quickly. And a few weeks later, just for good measure, he stopped by to check in on them again. Not to mention, he's even at all of their football and basketball games, do it's been pretty cool to see how a brother is so invested in the success and well-being of his little brothers. 

The Word tells us much about what it means to love another. Specifically, Psalm 133 exclaims, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!" I pray that my sons have this same love and respect for one another as they continue to grow. Yet, the Word also warns us in 1 John 4:20 that "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar..." Let's not confuse these texts to mean that brothers have to agree on everything and live in perfect harmony all the time. However, to love our brother means that we care for his well-being and that even when we disagree, we still show them respect and honor. 

Unity is one of the easiest things for the enemy to destroy. It doesn't take much for one to turn his or her back on another. We are fickle human beings who are easily swayed. When God called to Cain in the book of Genesis, Cain responded to God by asking, "Am I my brother's keeper?" This was his way of saying that he wasn't responsible for his brother and that quite frankly, he could care less about his whereabouts (knowing full well he killed poor Abel!) There are many of us who claim to love God, but aren't talking to our sister. We say we are living a godly life, but won't answer our brother's phone call. We are liars. It's time to own up to the opportunity to right things with our brothers and sisters and be one with God. We are to operate in brotherly love. Caring for one another, respecting one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, and above all else, loving one another. Be Blessed. XOXO