Playing Favorites

Sibling Rivalry

Genesis 4:2–4 HCSB

Then she also gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel became a shepherd of flocks, but Cain worked the ground. In the course of time Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,

He likes you more than me

Genesis 4:5 HCSB

but He did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent.

Lets fix this.

Genesis 4:6–7 HCSB

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

I’ll fix this.

Genesis 4:8 HCSB

Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Doubling Down

Genesis 4:9 HCSB

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”

Jumping to conclusions.

Genesis 4:11–14 HCSB

So now you are cursed, alienated, from the ground that opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood you have shed. If you work the ground, it will never again give you its yield. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” But Cain answered the Lord, “My punishment is too great to bear! Since You are banishing me today from the soil, and I must hide myself from Your presence and become a restless wanderer on the earth, whoever finds me will kill me.”

This Weeks Challenge

Stop putting words in God’s mouth. When you look at your circumstances and the place your choices have brought you don’t walk away from the one that loves you most, and from the people that are in your life that can help. Talk to God and then lean into the support group he has put in your life. Friends, family, church.