Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
Lateshia Beachum, Annabelle Timsit and Bryan Pietsch wrote an article in the November 22, 2021 Washington Post entitled, “Daily coronavirus cases up 18 percent, according to CDC director. “When you’re in the middle of a deadly pandemic, it isn’t only about you in a vacuum, it’s about your societal responsibility,” he said. “You do have a societal responsibility to help contain this outbreak, and you do that by getting vaccinated.
What responsibility do we have for others? In the Bible, after Cain had killed his brother Abel, God asked him where his brother was. Cain answered, “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). The Bible tells us that we are to do unto others like you want them to do to you (Matthew 7:12). Although the majority of the scientific community has concluded that the pandemic is much worse among the unvaccinated, some have concluded that they have no responsibility to be protected. Our public health officials explain that many who have underlying conditions or cannot be vaccinated can be kept safer as the country reaches community immunity.
The Bible says that there is a way that seems right to man but the end is death (Proverbs 14:12). Many have decided that it is more important to take care of themselves with questionable cures and ignore the effect on others. However, the Bible says that if one sees their brothers in need and are not compassionate towards them, the love of the Father is not in them (1 John 3:17).
Let us go to God and ask Him for His direction for getting vaccinated. He has provided the wisdom, the resources, and the Warp Speed program under President Trump to generate the vaccine. Let us allow God to speak to our hearts about becoming vaccinated since we are our brother’s keepers.
Genesis 4:9
New International Version
9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Matthew 7:12
New International Version
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Proverbs 14:12
New International Version
12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death
1 John 3:17
New International Version
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?