Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2
This question originated on the lips of Cain when God asked him where his brother was (Genesis 4:9). Of course, Cain knew where Abel was because he had recently killed him. He asked this question trying to dodge responsibility for what he had done to his brother. Though few people find themselves in Cain’s place, the attitude of indifference towards the plight of others is quite prevalent throughout human history. This is especially true in the spiritual realm today, not only from those caring for the spiritual vitality of others, but from the ones whose spiritual vitality is waning. This is partly because of the pervasive cultural attitude that demands we stay out of everyone’s business regarding their moral, ethical, and spiritual lifestyles.
While it is true that we are not to be busybodies perpetually trying to find out what everyone else is doing (John 21:18-23; 2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5:13; 1 Peter 4:15), it does not follow that the spiritual condition of our brothers and sisters is either none of our concern or business. This is evident from the host of passages in the New Testament that call us to care for those who are spiritually wounded, sick, or weary. A quick survey of a few of these passages should prove helpful in understanding our responsibilities to help guard one another’s heart against the schemes of the evil one.
In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus gave the prescription for restoring the brother (or sister) who sins against us. It is important to note that the offense is to be kept as discrete as possible as we first go to the sinning brother or sister alone (vs. 15). How often the guilty party is the last to learn or our displeasure, sometimes learning from those not even involved in the situation. However, if a resolution is not forthcoming, one or two others are to be taken to establish the error on the testimony of two or three witnesses (vs. 16). If resolution is still not made, the situation is to be taken before the congregation (vs. 17). Likewise, Paul told the Galatian brethren that the spiritually healthy were to aid those who are spiritually distressed (Galatians 6:1). He continued that in so bearing one another’s burdens we fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). James said those who restore an erring brother save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20). Part of James’ process was reciprocal confession of sins within the body of Christ (James 5:16). Finally, Jude told his readers to snatch those who were being corrupted out of the fire (Jude 23). The New Testament gives many other examples of our mutual responsibility to protect one another from the evil one, but these are sufficient to make the point.
While we do not go about gossiping and meddling, all these commands of our Lord require relationships where we know what struggles others are facing. They likewise demand a willingness to correct one another to heal the spiritual wounds, sicknesses, and general weaknesses we all battle. While discretion is a part of the process, it is not the ultimate concern. When a person is sick or wounded physically, the primary concern is to restore one’s body to health. It seems to me that restoring good health to one’s immortal soul is of far greater value than restoring the health of one’s unstoppably decaying body. Therefore, as it pertains to Cain’s question and its application to God’s people today, yes, we are our brother’s keepers.