(Genesis 4:1–16)

Genesis chapter four presents us with the first murder in the Bible, when Cain kills his brother Abel. The source of Cain’s animosity was apparently jealousy over the Lord’s acceptance of Abel’s offering and rejection of Cain’s offering. Abel, who was a shepherd, offered a sacrifice from “the firstlings of his flock,” whereas Cain, a farmer, gave an offering “from the fruit of the ground.”[i]

Genesis doesn’t tell us the reason Cain’s offering was rejected. Perhaps Abel gave the best he had and Cain did not. Or maybe the key is found in Leviticus 17:11[ii] and Hebrews 9:22,[iii] which tell us that the shedding of blood is necessary for atonement and forgiveness. Or perhaps both are true.

But I believe the real difference was the respective attitudes of Abel and Cain. Hebrews 11:4 says: “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous.” Abel made his offering with faith and humility. Cain did not.

Cain’s attitude becomes apparent in what happened next. When God rejected his offering, Cain became “very angry and his countenance fell.”[iv] Although the Lord warned him not to cultivate this anger, for “sin is crouching at the door,”[v] Cain did not listen, resulting in Abel’s murder. Then after the murder, instead of repenting, Cain lied when God confronted him. And when God punished him, Cain threw a pity party for himself.

Even as Cain was making his offering, God could see the evil lurking in his heart. As 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

A gift given with the wrong attitude cannot please God. Paul tells us that in 1 Corinthians 13:3: “And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor . . . but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” Micah 6:7-8 says that God values justice, kindness, and humility far more than “thousands of rams.” And in Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus seems to say that resolving a dispute with a friend is more important than any offering.

Cain’s heart was not right with God, and I believe that is why his offering was rejected. The evil lurking in his heart led to murder—and punishment.

Questions to ponder or discuss: Which is more important—the amount of the gift or the attitude of the giver? Explain. What attitude should we have when we give to God? (For starters, see 2 Corinthians 9:7.[vi])

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[i]. Genesis 4:3-4

[ii]. Leviticus 17:11 says [the Lord speaking to Moses]: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.”

[iii]. Hebrews 9:22: “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

[iv]. Genesis 4:5

[v]. Genesis 4:7

[vi]. 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”