Who should we help?

[JitC]

I would ask that you re-examine the meaning (biblical) of the word translated brother, already given and repeated here.
brother...Please note that the word is NOT restricted as you suggest, but is rather all-inclusive.

I'm not quite sure what you mean. From the definitions you gave it would seem that you consider "brother" to mean only men. But the way you're communicating it seems that you consider it to mean everybody (i.e. all people).

[Evangelist]

'm not quite sure what you mean. From the definitions you gave it would seem that you consider "brother" to mean only men. But the way you're communicating it seems that you consider it to mean everybody (i.e. all people).

Please don't try to convince me (or any one else) that according to the definitions, this is a sexist thing that discludes women. As can plainly be seen by the definitions, the word adelphos, translated brother, CAN mean anyone and everyone, male or female, greek, french, german, aussie, or even canadian, young or old, firm and infirm....in other words...EVERYONE.

And that is the point. Christians have a really BAD habit of trying to affix labels to others, or to use a label to include or disclude according to their own preferences.

Brethren CAN mean anyone.
Brethren CAN mean only a blood brother.
Brethren CAN mean a fellow believer in Christ, MALE OR FEMALE.
Brethren CAN mean someone from the same country.

brother: adelphos
1) a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother
2) having the same national ancestor, belonging to the same people, or countryman
3) any fellow or man
4) a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection
5) an associate in employment or office
6) brethren in Christ

Being obtuse is not conducive to either conversation or growth.

[JitC]

Please don't try to convince me (or any one else) that according to the definitions, this is a sexist thing...

I'm sorry if it seemed like I was trying to do that, but I honestly wasn't. You seemed to say that "brethren" meant everyone, but you used bold for "3) any fellow or man". I just didn't understand what you were saying.

Brethren CAN mean anyone.
Brethren CAN mean only a blood brother.
Brethren CAN mean a fellow believer in Christ, MALE OR FEMALE.
Brethren CAN mean someone from the same country.

Ok, but what does it mean in the New Testament?

[Pixie]

   I beleave that anyone who isn't saved, we should reach our hand out to! However, I'm not saying drill them. Show who God is by the way you live, and people will also come to you.  "If you are having a problem with your car, you don't take it to a plumber to fix it"!! Those who you can't reach, maybe someone else can. You can't "SAVE" anyone, but you can show them "the way, the truth and the light"
   I also beleave that it is impt. to have accountablity partners. Which is what the Brothers and Sisters in Christ need to be for each other!! I know if it wasn't for a close friend of mine, I would be a lot worse off then I am today!!!

[Shammu]

Sorry I can't vote, you don't have "all the above."
That is how I would have voted. We are to help everyone.
So I would be voting......
Blood related family members
Brothers and sisters in Christ
Whoever asks first
The most needy (physically AND spiritually)
Friends
Enemies (for this poll it's assumed that "enemies" are not Christians)
As I said all the above I would vote for.

[Luke O]

I voted for whoever is the most needing of help.

I don't think trying to covert 'enemies' is really important or right.  Christianity is not a dictatorship, i think one of the great things bout life is that you get the choice, i think if everyone was forced to become christian it may be good for society, but wouldn't be so democratic.