RESPONSIBILTY!

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 362
January 16, 2018///

I just read about an arrest of a couple in California who had 13 children shackled and malnourished in their home.

The kids ranged from 2 to 29 years with the older ones looking like small kids because of the way they had been treated.

This is the type of thing that we have a hard time comprehending. This was in a neighborhood where children were riding their bikes and the house and lawns were neat and well kept.

As I continued to read one of the neighbors made a statement that I want to address today.
This neighbor said: “I’m the kind of guy that does not want to get in anybody’s business”!

Now I understand that we do not want to bug others or seem to get into their business but this neighborhoods houses were close together and it is amazing that all the neighbors could say was that they thought the people were weird, but had no idea what was going on.

So, my question today is what is our responsibility when it comes to the lives of others?

In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, after Cain killed his brother Abel, God asked him where his brother was, and Cain said: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”.

Genesis 4:9 (KJV)
And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

Of course, Cain was trying to avoid the fact that he had killed his brother, but today that question is one we should ask ourselves.

How much responsibility do we have for those around us and those we see every day?

I don’t have the complete answer, but I believe that the Bible gives us some insight into our daily responsibility to others.

1 John 4:21 (KJV)
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

If we love God, our lives will be one of showing God’s love and care to those around us whether it is in our neighborhoods or our jobs or stores or anywhere else we may be.

Zechariah 7:9 (KJV)
Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

Now of course we know that when the word speaks of loving you brother it is also speaking of loving your sister.

So, as children of almighty God we need to be aware of those around us and reach out to them with our friendship.

I truly know that we are to show love and friendship to all those around us. How much further we need to go into their lives I believe the Holy Spirit within us will give us the guidance.

I cannot help but think, what if someone had tried to be a friend to this family (and maybe some did try) and in the middle of that discovered long ago that there was a problem?

How responsible are we for others?

I truly would like to know what you think! If you have thoughts or opinions on this subject, please email me at: pburn@charter.net

Are we our brother’s keeper?

Father, I come in the name of Jesus and ask you to show us how to be friends with others and care about them without intruding where we should not. So many in this world need a friend and as we reach out to them we can point them to Jesus, the real friend that is always there. Fill us full of your love for each other and guide us in all we are to do. Amen

God Bless you all!
Love, MeMaw