Readers, if we are to become true servants of God, then we must first understand the mission that God has given us as servants. We must realize that we have been baptized into one body in Christ, and many members are in the body of Christ. Just as in our physical bodies, when one member of that body suffers, then all members suffer. When we truly realize that our brothers and sisters in Christ are a part of us, then and only then can we begin to understand how to care and love one another.
Some members of our body may be strong, and some may be weak. However, all members of the body are useful. Let us look in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verses 12 through 14 where it states, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 13 v. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, Whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond for free; and have been also made to drink into one Spirit. 14 v. For the body is not one member, but many.”
“My Brothers Keeper… Leaving the 99 Sheep to Recover the 1”
The human body is used as a type of analogy of the body of Christ. At verses 25 through 26 it states, “That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26v. And whether one member suffer, All the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
We then as servants who are strong, it is our duty, mission, and personal responsibility to bear the infirmities of the weak. In the final account, in that great day, “Everyone of us shall give an account of himself to God.”
Let us take a closer look at our duties to others in the case where our brother may be weak, but not necessarily by his own will. In Galatians the six chapter verses one through two it states, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2v. Bear ye one another’s burdens, And so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Readers this application of charitableness, is a service enjoined solely for the purpose of spiritual restoration to your brother or your sister. Verse five states, “For everyman shall bear his own burden.” So then it is our personal responsibility and duty to bear the burdens of each other and everyone of us will have his own burden to bear. Let us look at verse 10 where it states, “And as we therefore have opportunity, Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” We must also be sympathetic to our brothers and sisters…
In Romans the 12 chapter at the 15th verse it states, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” In the 15th chapter of the book of Romans verses one through two it also states, “We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, And not to please ourselves. 2 v. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.”
Readers the bottom line is that we should number one, exercise charity toward the weakness of others, number two, refrain from judging our brother, number three, sacrifice our own pleasure for the greater good of our brother or sister, and four, consider the weakness of others.
We are our brother’s keeper whether we want to be or not. If we do not desire to be our brothers keeper, then the love of God cannot be perfected in us neither do we understand the body of Christ. We must also understand that no one is nor will anyone be held accountable for the foolish mistakes or sins of others. To his own master, each must stand or fall. In Romans 14th chapter 13th verse it states, “But judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” Readers what this is saying is, that every person will be held responsible, who by act or example puts temptation in another’s way. We are responsible if we risk the safety and salvation of others; however each must work out his own salvation.
“My Brothers Keeper… Leaving the 99 Sheep to Recover the 1”
Brothers who have much understanding sometimes forget about those who are weak in understanding. Even though we may have liberties to do certain things, those who do not understand those liberties because they are weak in faith maybe be stumbled by those things that we have freedom to do in Christ. We must always protect our good name as a Christian. Whenever our Christian reputation suffers, our influence goes below par… and when we have lost that influence, We are salt that has lost its savor in the community, church, and people in which we serve.
It is written that “all things are lawful but all things are not expedient.” This is saying that some things are lawful… but are not necessary in some cases. Let us look at Romans chapter 14 verses 20-21, “For meat destroyeth not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; But it is evil for that man who eateth with offense. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” This then should become our sacrifice for the ultimate good.
When God asked Cain where is thy brother? He expected Cain to know the whereabouts of his brother Abel. So it was then, God is expecting us today to be our brother’s keeper. How dare we not keep our brother and call ourselves the body of Christ! Readers, God is the real Judge; Man is only self- appointed. We have been given the power to save not to condemn. We must understand when Christ died that he paid for every single soul and all the riches in the world are not equivalent to the poorest soul.
Lastly, our personal liberty can sometimes destroy a brother or sister. One’s pleasure is often another’s destruction. It is written, “Through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish for whom Christ died?” Shall one man’s strength cause another’s destruction? Readers, we are under obligation as Christians to consider others. The weakness of another should appeal to the strong. Our living example should be our most fearful responsibility and our sacrifice and love for others should be the most essential factor in our Christian living. Let us save by the power of example.
May God bless and keep us all in the mighty name of Jesus Amen.
