In the book of Genesis of the Old Testament, two brothers were preparing to give offerings to the Lord. Both of them were sons of Adam and Eve. Cain was a tiller of the ground, while Abel, his brother, is a skilled shepherd. The Lord accepted Abel’s offering because he came before God in true faith and dedication to righteousness. However, Cain’s offering is not because he lacked a sincerely obedient loyalty and because his deeds were evil. God takes pleasure in our offerings and thanksgivings only when we are striving to live a righteous life according to His will.
The response of God towards Abel’s offering caused Cain to become angry and created jealousy within Him. Then Cain lured His brother into the fields and slew Him. The grudge inside of Cain took over and deceived him into killing his brother. God pictures sin as a force or power that, like a wild beast or demon, is ready to attack and devour. Yet God, in His grace, gives human beings the capacity to overcome and resist sin by submitting to His Word. It is their choice whether they will yield to sin or conquer it.
The death of Abel and God’s concern show that throughout the ages, God cares for all who suffer. Their suffering is known to God, and He will act on their behalf to render justice and destroy all evil. God punishes Cain that God will no longer bless his efforts to gain his living from the ground. Cain did not humble himself in godly sorrow and repentance, for he separated himself from the Lord and sought to live without God’s help.
Today, some people may not be jealous of hurting others by taking a life, but we have people who sought to live without God’s help. However, there are people like Cain that watch others like Abel. Jealousy causes people to look at others where they cannot live properly.