Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.” (Genesis 4:8-10)

Break A Twig

A missionary to Africa relates the story of a custom in certain parts, such as asking every chief for his losako or a life motto. One day, an old chief asked a missionary what his losako was. Repeating in the African language, the man said, “Love the Lord will all thy heart.” The missionary then asked the old chief for his losako. The old chief slowly and reverently repeated, “When you pass through the jungle, be very careful to break a twig so that the next man can find his way.”

When God asked Cain where his brother Abel was, Cain replied indignantly, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain had killed his brother, and the Lord knew this very well. How Cain responded showed his evil heart, but his answer revealed a divine truth. God created man not to be alone but to share in a communion of brotherhood. It begins at the family level when Eve is brought to Adam, establishing the family. Children create a union of fellowship, and then communities become a place where friendships and relationships create a world of brotherhood.

The Tower of Babel is a story of the origin of languages and the beginnings of nations and communities. God created man to care for one another and to leave a path for others to walk. The human spirit cannot thrive in isolation. There is a need for people to be with people. The wisdom of the old chief was to show the importance of how one life can help another life, and those lives can benefit a community. Individualism can destroy a community when no one cares for others. Selfishness is not godly. Neglecting those who need care does not glorify God.

In the Law of Moses, God commanded the edges of the fields to be left for the poor and the needy. One of the reasons God punished Israel was for abusing the downtrodden and destitute. Jesus taught the first commandment was devotion to God, followed by the command to love one another. The Christian is benevolent, showing God’s love by breaking twigs through life so that others can find the way. Everyone needs everyone in life. Children need guidance to know the way of truth. The lost must learn how to find salvation in Jesus Christ. Breaking a twig for the next person leaves a path for others to follow.

God has provided everything needed to find peace, happiness, and eternal joy. Each individual becomes a trailblazer to help others find Jesus Christ. How can we love the truth and keep it to ourselves? From a benevolent heart to care for others, we show the love of Christ so that others can find the way to eternal life. The church is a place of fellowship united for the purpose of showing the grace of God.