Are we our brother's keeper?

The answer is overwhelmingly, 'Yes!'. Although the question, dishonestly posed by Cain (when God asks him where his brother, Abel, is), suggests the answer is 'no'. California seems to currently be running up against the same argument, at the supposed hands of the state's Controller, in lieu of the Governor not having an immediate solution to the financial concerns of the state. And that these potential decisions would affect the citizens in the most challenging circumstances, including those who normally receive state welfare payments. Welfare is defined as "Exemption from any unusual evil or calamity; the enjoyment of peace and prosperity, or the ordinary blessings of society and civil government. " (The Student's Reference Dictionary). On page 72 of Retrospection and Introspection, by Mary Baker Eddy, she states "To disregard the welfare of others is contrary to the law of God; therefore it deteriorates one's ability to do good, to benefit himself and mankind." So, to restrict or place an I.O.U. on an individual's blessing of society and civil government would not be authorized in the Kingdom of God, which is everywhere, in every state, in every city, town, and home.

In times of hardship in our country, and beyond, we have seen and know of our responsibility to help one another. We have seen this very recently in the US Airways incident this week, in New York City. Ready and immediate help was given to all those who completely relied and trusted on God, through their very dear neighbors, to rescue them. They completely relied by walking onto the wings of a plane, which was apparently sinking, and droves of those able and delighted to help came to their rescue, in some cases ships and boats literally swooping up these dear, trusting people by resting underneath the wings of that airplane, and even into the arms of these helpers. And those helpers thought not for an instant to not help; in fact, most said they were so grateful to have been there, and that there were so many available to help at that time of day. Almost as if the blessing comes from helping, even more than being helped. We have also seen time and again the aid offered not only within our own country during human tragedy, raging fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, but the offering of aid to other countries as well, during similar times of challenge. "Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" (I John 3:17). And that is so clear to us all in these times of challenges, and financial challenges are really no different, are they?

We can trust that there is aid available to help all those who have the need. Where does this supply come from? Well, God promises us that our needs will be met, through listening to his guidance for us, and that those right ideas will bless all. Instead of focusing on budgets, deficits, and the stock market, our need is to be clear on our moral responsibility of sharing what we have with our neighbor, in, of course, the right ways, the ways that God is leading us to. Sometimes, that comes in the form of praying, simply sharing ideas, and sometimes in the form of financial contributions. And we never need to fear that our thought, our prayer in the world will go unheard, or will not help mankind. And that our financial contributions will not be felt by those who most need it, even if the need seems very large. With brotherly love for all, God is governing all people, all needs, all supply, in just the perfect way. Welfare for all is secure, everywhere.