Unrighteous Brother Loses That Loving Feeling

MARATHONS for charity. Street collections. Television and newspaper appeals. Sponsorship for good causes. The list seems never-ending. The UK has a high level of charitable giving. Each time there’s a humanitarian crisis - be it earthquake, flood or famine - the British public puts its hands in its pockets.

Despite economic downturns and the tightening of purse strings, the money raised annually through national television appeals continues to rise. There’s no sign of compassion fatigue setting in just yet. The voices of the few who cynically ask, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ are drowned out.

This phrase - often used in the context of poverty and injustice - originates from the Bible. Its first use has nothing to do with any kind of charity. The phrase comes from the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve, and the first murder in history (see Genesis 4:3–10).

Cain, the eldest son, farmed the land. Abel kept animals. Both of them brought offerings from their work before God, but Abel’s, for some reason, earned God’s favour. Cain, to put it mildly, was not amused. He suggested to Abel that they should go out to the field. Once there, Cain attacked and killed him. A modern Bible version paraphrases the key words like this: ‘God said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “How should I know? Am I his babysitter?”’ (4:9 The Message).

Cain deliberately set out to murder his brother and then tried to deceive God by denying any responsibility for his actions. His punishment was banishment from God’s presence.

Are we our brother’s keeper? Is it our responsibility to ‘babysit’ those who are poor and disadvantaged? Thousands who give their time and energy to raise money for good causes think that it is. And - thanks to their care and compassion - thousands of others are helped to have a better life.

UK & Ireland War Cry 7 June 2014