We can learn a lot about God from His question to Cain: “Cain, where is your brother?”
17:17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Cain’s reply was, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” I’m not sure that Cain was ready for God’s reply to his question:
“What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” Genesis 4:10
Evidently, Cain WAS his brother’s keeper. In fact, if there’s one thing I draw from Jesus’ teachings is that we are to treat each other as He treats us. How does Jesus treat us? “Not as our sins deserve” (Psalm 103:10). He never has and He never will. It’s what the cross was all about. Follow this progression,
25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Want to know how God replied? It’s recorded in Psalm 22:31, “Done!” (paraphrase)
The verse about God having mercy upon whom He wants to have mercy is about Romans 11:32,
32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Now, it’s a matter of showing people His grace. What’s the best way to do that? By demonstrating grace.
“…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:44
21 Then Peter approached him with the question, “Master, how many times can my brother wrong me and I must forgive him? Would seven times be enough?” 22 “No,” replied Jesus, “not seven times, but seventy times seven! Matthew 18:21-22
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14
Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. 1 Peter 4:8
And the clincher:
34-36 “Then the king will say to those on his right ‘Come, you who have won my Father’s blessing! Take your inheritance—the kingdom reserved for you since the foundation of the world! For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was lonely and you made me welcome. I was naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you came and looked after me. I was in prison and you came to see me there.” Matthew 25:34-36 “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ v.40
How we treat others reveals what we think about God and about ourselves. Right thinking leads to godliness (being like God). Jesus wants us to be like Him. Instead of focusing on being right, let’s focus on how to love one another deeply.
Abba, may I take my own advice and let loving others be my focus. I don’t have to be right; I just need to do right, and to do that, I need to think right. Help me transform my mind daily, O Lord, and teach me to love like You. Amen.
In the Master's Hands 