Deuteronomy 22:1
“You shall not see your countryman’s ox or his sheep straying away, and pay no attention to them; you shall certainly bring them back to your countryman.”
In Genesis 4, Cane kills his brother. Verse nine has this exchange, “Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” His response has become famous. In today’s passage, God is telling us that we do have some level of responsibility to one another. We aren’t to walk on and ignore the straying ox. This is part of what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves.
This involves being helpful to those in our own sphere of influence and space of travel. It may be that we have little contact with these people. Yet we pass them daily. It would be easy to pass by the need and act as though we didn’t see it. No one would know (except The Lord). This is a biblical charge, to be helpful.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” This is affirming being helpful. However, it’s given in an interesting context. Verse one says, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” This is someone in church who is straying. We are to seek to help him (her).
Most people try to mind their own business in these situations. Many get offended when confronted. It can get messy. The attitude and approach can minimize this. We are to go “in a spirit of gentleness.” We are to understand that we are all vulnerable in different areas. Knowing this keeps us humble and allows us to be more sympathetic.
Lord, assist us in being helpful.