Read: Genesis 4:1-15

You know the story of Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel both made sacrifices to God. The Lord was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice but not with Cain’s. Cain knew that God was not happy with his sacrifice. How he knew, we do not know, but somehow he did know. And Cain became very angry. He couldn’t handle it that God accepted Abel’s sacrifice and not his.

But then we read that the Lord went to talk to Cain. What love and grace we see here. Cain sinned by having hateful being angryer, and when God saw this, he talked to Cain and showed him the way. The Lord told Cain that if he did well, then God would accept his sacrifice. Yes, there was sin in Cain’s heart, but he had to rule over that sin. He had to fight that sin and not give in to his angry thoughts.

Do you know the same can be said to us today? We too have wicked hearts which are full of hatred and anger. Just think about it. I’m sure you can remember being angry at someone recently or thinking that something wasn’t fair. Well God also says to you, “You need to change the attitude of your heart.” It is your heart that is sinful. But you need to rule over that, and fight against sins.

You know the rest of the story. Cain didn’t rule over his heart, and instead he gave in to his anger and murdered his own brother Abel. How horrible! This was a terrible act of hatred, and Cain deserved to die for it.

But again God showed his love. Yes, Cain was certainly punished, but God still showed his love by putting a mark on Cain so that he would not be killed by anyone.

So, when you read this story of Cain murdering Abel, think about your heart. No, you may not have murdered anyone, but you have hated, you have been angry and you have been annoyed. Ask God to help you rule over your heart. Ask God to help you fight against that hatred, and instead have love and kindness in your heart.

Reflection with your child:

What can you do to rule over your sinful heart?

Source: Sermons by Rev. H. Alkema & Rev. T. van Spronson