I Am My Brother's Keeper

In life there are two simultaneous roles: participant and cheerleader.

Participants

Why would someone give up? This is important to know. They could be tired, distracted, feeling alone, or that something else could be better. Maybe they prayed and didn’t get the desired answer. Life is too hard at the moment. They could no longer feel part of community. Don’t make it harder on each other! It’s my responsibility to make it to heaven. If I give up, who is going to cheer on the specific set of people in my corner of the world?

The enemy puts my battle right in front of me so that it seems big and impossible. The enemy will use anything to discourage. I may be tired and weak, but God is the biggest and best cheerleader.

The cheerleader

The goal is to be an enthusiastic and vocal supporter. This means people need to hear me. We need to go through training to be a cheerleader.

Am I negatively impacting reputations with my words or am I protecting and lifting up? Am I long suffering and offering grace? Am I defending? Some things are better left unsaid. Defend the saints, even to the enemy.

Genesis 4:9

Proverbs 16:23

Proverbs 11:13

Matthew 18:15

Ephesians 4:25

1 Timothy 3:11

Titus 3:2

The Bible describes what we are not supposed to do with our words to one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:13 My words are to edify.

Hebrews 10:24

Romans 15:2

Proverbs 31:28

Isaiah 41:6,7

Galatians 6:1,2 If I see a brother or sister doing something I don’t understand or if I don’t feel right about it, it’s not my job to judge them or write them off. My job is to restore, repair, and pray. Encourage with meekness.

To bear one another’s burdens is more than praying with them. Burdens are translated as faults and shortcomings.

Colossians 3:12,13 This is how to be my brother's keeper. Forbear, forgive, and longsuffer. We are all human. We will hurt someone unintentionally. We will be hurt. Why would I assume bad intention from a saint? This shouldn't be my first assumption. I should be offering grace and mercy.

Romans 15:1

The strong has to bear with the weak. I am called to help and encourage, not to please myself. I am not called to a selfish life.

I can become busy in life and unintentionally forget my brothers and sisters. Everyone has feelings. What can I do?

Make a task on the calendar to let them know I am praying.
Set a timer or reminder to pray.
Make a prayer list.
Use sticky notes.
Carry notecards so I can write them a note.
Make double to provide a meal for someone else.
Text or email the minute someone comes to mind.
Ask someone to pray for you. This shows you value them.
Speak to a saint at church.
Sit by someone who is alone.
Reach out to someone for lunch or coffee.

Hebrews 12:1,2

If one falls, help carry them across the finish line. My responsibility is to encourage others to keep going. If God asks me, “Where is your brother?” will I be able to say, "He is here. I brought him with me."

I must speak out about how the enemy tries to discourage me. I don’t know how the enemy is talking to someone else; they may be fighting the same battle. Be an encourager!