Genesis 4 - Jealousy

Genesis 4:1-7

Adam and Eve’s first children were two sons, Cain and Abel.  Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd.  Cain presented an offering of fruit to the Lord and Abel brought the firstborn of his flocks.  Abel’s offering pleased God but Cain’s offering did not.  Cain became angry and his countenance fell.

Why did Cain become angry and jealous of his brother? 

Genesis 4:8-16

When Cain and Abel were out in the field, Cain killed Abel.  God asked Cain, “Where is your brother, Abel?”

Cain said, “I don’t know, am I my brother’s keeper?”

God said, “What have you done?  Your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground.  You are now cursed. When you work the ground it will no longer grow food for you, and you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.”

Cain told God that his punishment was more than he could bear, and he was afraid someone would kill him, so the Lord put a mark on Cain, so that no one would kill him.

Why do you think God didn’t accept Cain’s offering? 

Do you think Cain gave God his best offering? 

Do you think Cain gave his offering with an attitude of worship and thanksgiving, or do you think he gave just enough to be able to say he gave? 

When you give to God, do you give him your best offering with an attitude of worship and thanksgiving?