Scripture – “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. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”
Genesis 4:4-8 NIV
Observation – Both Abel and Cain made offerings to God. God was pleased with Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. Cain was angry that God didn’t accept his offering and decided the best course of action would be to kill his brother.
Application – When someone expresses that you have disappointed them or you have let yourself down how do you handle it? I find that the times I treat others poorly seldom has to do with something they have done or but because I am angry with myself and I take it out on them. The proper response is to take responsibility, talk to God about it, say you are sorry and take steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Prayer – Jesus, when I am upset help me to understand where the anger is coming from and handle it in a way that glorifies you, protects others and enables me to maintain my integrity. Amen
What are you doing? Do it better 