Cain

January 9

Genesis 4:8-16

Sin – a growing problem

Cain was jealous because God accepted Abel’s offering but not his. As time passed, Cain allowed anger to grow in his heart.

One day he said to his brother, “Let’s go out to the fields.”

When they were alone, Cain suddenly turned on Abel and killed him.

How can I get rid of my feelings of anger and jealousy?

God warned Cain of the jealousy that had crept into his heart. But, instead of doing what is right, his angry heart made him think of a way to get rid of his brother.

Feelings like anger and jealousy don’t just fade away by themselves. If we ignore them, they can grow bigger and harder to control. When we start to feel jealous, we need to stop those selfish thoughts right away and choose to do what is right instead.

Ask God to make your heart clean and to give you His peace.

Go to the person with whom you are angry and talk about the way you feel. If the person has hurt you, tell him/her that you forgive them.

If you are jealous of someone, make a point of being kind to that person. Also, be grateful for what you have—even the little things.

Remember that you first need to take action (do what is right) before your feelings will start to change.

When we follow Jesus’ example of love, it becomes much easier to get along with others. Jesus didn’t say we have to like everyone—that would be impossible! But He did tell us to love others.

Verse for today

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18