“THE BITTER END OF RESENTMENT”

12 “We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.”

1 John 3:12

The story of Cain (“a spear”) and Abel (“a breath”) is presented in Genesis 4:1-16. They were the sons of Adam and Eve, the first couple. Cain was a farmer while Abel was a shepherd. One day, they brought a respective offering to the Lord—crops from Cain and a firstborn animal and fat portions from Abel. Long story short, God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s, who then got mad, killed his brother, and had himself kicked out of Eden.

It appears that both of them were trained by Adam to worship God. Therefore, Cain was not exactly an atheist; instead, he was a worshiper. It’s just that he didn’t have the right view of God. Cain’s actions can be likened to the Serpent, who has been a liar and murderer from the beginning (1 John 3:8; John 8:44). Cain slaughtered his brother and then denied knowing what happened to him (Genesis 4:9). Cain murdered Abel out of jealousy and bitterness. He was filled with envy because he could not handle rejection and failure. His pride was injured (Genesis 4:5, which triggered his murderous intentions.

Using the story of Cain and Abel, John reveals the danger of comparing oneself with others. Jealousy and bitterness describe Cain’s deeds, and all who follow his example share the same root: Satan, the originator of sin.

Faith made the difference between Cain’s and Abel’s offerings (Hebrews 11:4). God likely had revealed beforehand that they should love Him and offer the proper sacrifices. Otherwise, it would have been unfair for God to judge worshipers without basis. Abel listened and kept God’s word; Cain did not. Abel loved God; Cain was halfhearted. Therefore, as early as the accounts in Genesis, we can see that worship is a sacred and organized activity that should not be taken lightly. This story shows us the importance of heeding God’s word and responding to it. Obedience leads to God’s blessings while disobedience takes us to a bitter end.

Today’s verse tells us to avoid walking down Cain’s path because God is not pleased with people who reciprocate His goodness with indifference and lukewarmness. As we can see, mere belief in God and going through the motions of religion will not save us. We may act religious and all but live in bitterness and resentment. Failure and disappointment will reveal our true colors; it’s just a matter of time.

Let’s follow Abel’s path, who honored God and loved Him with all his heart, soul, and might, as shown by his offerings.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Romans 12:2

Do you harbor any resentment in your heart? Surrender it to God and rid yourself of its bitter end.

Pursue the Savior today!

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