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 was first recorded coming from 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. This is especially true in the spiritual realm. This is partly because of the pervasive cultural attitude that demands we stay out of everyone’s business regarding their moral, ethical, and spiritual lives.
While it is true that we are not to be busybodies going about sticking our noses into everyone’s business (John 21:18-23; 2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5:13; 1 Peter 4:15), it does not follow that we have no right or need to know of the spiritual condition of our brethren. This is evident from the plethora of passages that demand we care for those who are spiritually wounded, sick, or weary. Consider a few of these examples and their implications with me.
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 you go to the sinning brother or sister alone first (vs. 15). 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 give aid to 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 defiled out of the fire (Jude 23). The New Testament gives many other examples, 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. As in physical wound care, the primary concern is healing the wound. So, yes, we are our brother’s/sister’s keepers.