Genesis 4:8-9

This is the world’s first murder. Isn’t it terrible that, so early in the Bible, we have to confront such an appalling evil? If you have ever known a family that has experienced a murder, you will know the awful impact that it has – for years to come – on everyone concerned.

It isn’t clear why Cain’s offering to the Lord was unacceptable, but he is furious about it and determined to do away with his brother. After the murder, God caught up with Cain and his response to God was a bizarre one: “Am I my brother’s guardian?” he asks.

The translation that you may be more familiar with is: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”, although I quite like the Living Bible paraphrase of: “How should I know? Am I supposed to keep track of him wherever he goes?”

Whichever version you choose, it is a crazy response. God’s reply might well have been: “No, Cain, you don’t need to know everything about your brother and everywhere he goes, but that doesn’t mean you can kill him.” God tells Cain that Abel’s blood had cried out to him from the ground, and Cain would now be cursed for his terrible crime.

We are not responsible for knowing everything about the people around us. But we do have responsibilities. We cannot push people around or get rid of them because they happen to be in our way. We have a responsibility to act honourably, lovingly and thoughtfully towards them. We cannot live in a way that just suits us and our own selfish agenda.

We need to reflect deeply on the lives of those around us and how we can encourage, strengthen and enable them to be the best that they can be.

Question

What are your responsibilities towards the main people in your life?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me when I act selfishly towards those around me. Help me to act responsibly and lovingly towards the people that you have put in my life. Amen