“Christ offers the healing medicine of community, humility, and interdependence.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 27, 2025
Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:8-9, NKJV
It only takes four chapters in the book of Genesis to reveal one of humanity’s greatest ailments: the sin of self-sufficiency. Of course, Cain was plagued by many ailments – jealousy, hatred, murderous rage – but today I want to focus on a singular sickness that is revealed in his response to the Lord asking about the whereabouts of his brother. “I do not know,” Cain says, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
In all times and places, humans are tempted to embrace this posture and view of the world. “I’ll take care of myself, and you take care of yourself.” “I don’t need anything from anyone.” “You walk your way, and I’ll walk mine, and don’t get in my way.” This view of the world puts all of our successes and failures squarely and solely upon our own shoulders. It is the myth of the self-made man or woman, that we are who we are simply based upon our self-determination and will.
Of course, in truth, we are who we are because of the countless sacrifices of men and women who loved, sustained, and supported us when we were entirely dependent upon their care. This is true of our lives as children, yes, but the wisdom of Genesis 4 invites us to maintain this posture for the whole of our lives. We embrace the gift of supporting others along the journey of life, and wisdom invites us to celebrate those the Lord has given us as a source of life and strength, reminding us that we are never alone and are seen, known, and loved.
In stark contrast to Cain’s words to the Lord, let us instead remember Paul’s exhortation from Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Where Cain stands as a model of isolation, pride, and independence, Christ offers the healing medicine of community, humility, and interdependence. Become your brother’s keeper as you bear one another’s burdens with joy and love.
Prayer
Father, keep us from the sickness of self-sufficiency, instead receiving others as a gift from you and a reminder that we are called to bear one another’s burdens in love, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
What does it mean for you to be your “brother’s keeper” in this season of life?
Related Reading
Romans 15:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 John 3:17-18
Worship Resource
Matt Maher: Hold Us Together
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