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One of the most provoking answers man has ever given God, is in Genesis 4·9. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Only those can speak like that whose heart is far from God. This raises the question of joint responsibility for our fellowmen, that is of Christians for their brothers and sisters in the community. There are chiefly two parables about this which Christ taught. In the parable of the “prodical son”, the son who stayed home, does not feel responsible for his brother in spite of his condition. He is right because his brother received his whole share of the inheritance, but ruined his life through selfishness. But the parable also contains the reproof, for Christ made it very clear that, independent guilt, the saving of mankind is much more important than insisting on one’s own right.

In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins is another. Without any recognizable difference the ten virgins are going to meet the bridegroom. But five of the ten are unwise and miss their salvation. In contrast to the first parable mentioned, there is here for five young women, no “Happy End”. As much as this parable hurts, one has to ask, surly, the so called “Wise Ones” must have recognized the lacking condition of the foolish? Why didn’t they help? Were they different, did they not care about the foolish? Can one really be going with joy in heart to meet the bridegroom, when one should know that half of us may not make it. The question stands anew about the joint responsibility. It has become very complicated in our time, as we speak of the “Mature Christian”, his own responsibility and not being a busybody. Also – can I – should I may I – must I – be my brother’s keeper?

Our text answers this question. “We that are strong”, who dares to talk like that about oneself? If we appear to be the better one, the smarter, the more proficient, it would but offend the foolish. Is it not much better to stay out of every thing? After all we have the Apostles, the Ministers, the Sermons etc.? But, now that we know the parable of Christ, can we then still withdraw ourselves from this joint-responsibility? Is there a “Without Me”?

Here it is not a matter of thinking to be clever or strong, but the only object is, how far the love is poured out in one’s heart (Rom. 5:5) and how much one is honestly concerned about the welfare of another because of this love. Can we – through false consideration (not to busy ourselves in another men’s matters) allow, that someone will lose out? We cannot excuse ourselves herewith not to have known that oil is lacking in someone in the Church. Our communities are mostly in size easy to overview and with a little observing, it will not escape us who in the community may be in trouble.

The Bible warns first against judging or despising brothers (and sisters) and advises foremost to set our minds on this – to be to one an offence or cause any annoyance. This also is a responsible act. But our task goes further and shall lead us from holding back to the offensive, the conscious, but loving intervention. In Galatians, the Apostle exhorts to brotherhood and gives the important advice to help someone, who made a mistake, with tender heart and spirit. An unmistakable invitation: “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ”. (Gal. 6:1-2)

I MUST HELP! How can we help, is taught that through the carrying of the weak and good conduct, our fellowmen can build themselves up on these virtues. This excludes any highmindness. To form an opinion about the weak in the Church may in some cases be reasonable enough, but we have no right to do this. Only the loving service, the friendly conversation, the brotherly and sisterly love produce trust and encouragement for our fellowman to grow.

This is a lesson for all. “Love your neighbour as yourself’! One could also say: “Dedicate time for your neighbour as much as for ourself.” This is in practice difficult. Serving others requires time and we should not be stingy with it. The word egoism is not contained in the Bible. God gives us a lesson in those who are weak, which we can hardly shrink back from. He expects an active community and no self-satisfied or self-conceited Christians, who favour only themselves.