If you have siblings like me, you know all too well the arguments they can get into. From stealing things (AKA Borrowing) to just plain silly disagreements. As a parent it's almost unavoidable. In the moment we think it's the end of the world and we wish to never speak or see of them again, (not really meaning it) and within hours we are best friends living our lives as if nothing happened. I wish that was the case in our scripture reading today. Genesis 4:1-16 is the story of Cain and Abel. A story of a situation that spiraled out of control. Cain was in charge of working the soil while Abel took care of the flock. We see in verses 3-5:
“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So, Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”
Cain had issues with his brother, that we can sum up with the word— jealousy. The story continues that Cain took his brother into the field and killed him. He allowed his frustration and anger to control him and lead him. As we know, when we are motivated by our emotions we tend to make poor decisions. Cain allowed his emotions to rule over him which caused him to spiral and kill his brother. Now, I am not saying we are going to go and kill our siblings, but what about our lives? Are we allowing our frustration and anger to control us? Are we making decisions based on our emotions? We have to be prepared to stop our earthly desires. We must learn how to overcome frustration with faithfulness. When we feel frustrated or angry let us take time and spend it with the one who can overcome anything. Let us refocus our mind on God and the goodness he brings.
“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So, Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”
Cain had issues with his brother, that we can sum up with the word— jealousy. The story continues that Cain took his brother into the field and killed him. He allowed his frustration and anger to control him and lead him. As we know, when we are motivated by our emotions we tend to make poor decisions. Cain allowed his emotions to rule over him which caused him to spiral and kill his brother. Now, I am not saying we are going to go and kill our siblings, but what about our lives? Are we allowing our frustration and anger to control us? Are we making decisions based on our emotions? We have to be prepared to stop our earthly desires. We must learn how to overcome frustration with faithfulness. When we feel frustrated or angry let us take time and spend it with the one who can overcome anything. Let us refocus our mind on God and the goodness he brings.