my brother's keeper

Sometimes our brother enters sin, and we are faced with the heart-wrenching knowledge of his or her slipping from salvation. Yet our Lord holds them in His grasp, and though their circumstances become harsh, He has a plan for their restoration. Here is a word of prophecy that the Lord gave me a few years ago about this situation.

WISDOM STANDS, PART II
12-1-05
Love travails with people to bring them out of sin and into salvation. It is a working out of problems, issues, relationships, to put the other person in a better standing, to put them in the place to receive salvation, or to put them in a place of reconciliation and repentance. If a man or woman hardens his heart and God takes over the case (the hardened individual being laid at the feet of Jesus in prayer), to vindicate His cause and uphold His justice, and His nature, and there is an impending judgment to come, then the minister of God must not place the sinner in an even worse position. When our conversation causes the sinner to enter more sin, we are laying a stumbling block before them[1]. At times the Lord has us hold our peace, not confront our brother or sister when they are lying, hating, cheating or stealing. During these times we should intercede and pray for the one in sin, and give them love. It is a close walk with the Lord, learning how to minister to those who are not walking with Him.

Confrontation has causes some sinners to harden their hearts beyond repentance, and they have had to suffer a great separation and judgment. This is why it is written to live in peace with all men in as far as it is up to you. Try to put all men and women in a position of blessing by the Lord, favor and goodness, even causing them to do good things that they may not have thought of[2]. Put them in a good light, and so you will be like Jesus. It may seem like an enabling of the wrong-doer, and a standing on the side of wrong, but it actually is a coaxing and an enticing over onto the side of kindness. This is the opposite of entrapment; the snares and evil schemes of the devil which catch men in a bad light to rob them of all reward. The nurturing role is not the role of the judge.

If I tell you not to contact a person who has slandered you until they repent, then realize that your conversation with them would cause more sin on their part, and that I am working to bring them to a place of repentance. Pray for them. Likewise, show grace, honor and favor. In no way let there be evil spoken of you, and do not speak evil of the wrong-doer. Then when I visit this one, he will know that you are of God[3].

In all your works and conversation show that you care about all things. In this way you are looking out for your brother or sister[4]. You are your brother’s keeper[5].





[1] Rom 14:13
[2] See Luke 19:2-10; Jesus invites Himself into Zacchaeus’ house
[3] 1 Peter 2:12
[4] Phil 2:4
[5] Gen 4:9